Electro/rap trio, Hyper Crush, has been under my radar for quite some time after the release of their first official album in 2008. Fast forward to 2012 and the group has just unleashed Night Wave, their follow up that goes down another direction style-wise. Preceded by four singles, including the recent “Werk Me”, the album has me feeling mixed emotions. The songs that stay true to the group I fell in love with are amazing pieces they can add to their greatest hits album in the future, but some generic, production-heavy tracks are sprinkled throughout, losing the unique vibe that drew me in a few years ago.
The album’s most recent single, “Werk Me”, kicks off the adult-minded fun. To me, the track showed the transition between the group’s two sounds, but here some traces of the original trio make the song enjoyable. The beat is impressive, and Hyper Crush has never disappointed when creative a catchy, powerful hook. The song falls flat unfortunately due to the verses that come off more amateur than when they started in 2008. The hip-hop heavy “Chrome Pipes” is a real change for the group. The members radiate more attitude and swag than ever before, which is pretty hard to imagine. My feeling for the track are completely opposite from the preceding song. The background hook does not work at all, at times getting rather annoying, but the verses showcase impressive development. One problem was I felt the song ended before it was really getting great. One of the album’s greatest moments comes thanks to “Bad Boyz”, which goes down a club, dance/pop vibe. If the group were to ever have a successful, mainstream single, then this song needs to see the light of day. Female vocalist, Holly, seems to take control here and it may be a moment similar to Fergie’s solo work when performing with The Black Eyed Peas. I find myself dancing and singing along, Hyper Crush is back. “Fingers Up” was a track released for free the previous summer and I was really not impressed then. A year later, I still have not warmed up to it. It may have released before Cobra Starship’s “Middle Finger”, but I think I will stick to that anthem about throwing the vulgar finger to the world. The loud production takes over the track and outshines those actually singing, something that should never happen. The beginning of “Cheap Thrills” gives off a Caribbean-vibe that quickly grabbed my attention, and I could not help but nod my head to the beat. The child-like vocals featured throughout would come off repulsive anywhere else, but I cannot get them out of head. I was having fun, until the expected dubstep breakdown towards the middle. Am I the only one who thinks the genre has been abused already? The appropriately titled “WTF” alludes to my first reaction after coming across the band; it has now changed to nothing but respect. The song is nothing too amazing, have to be honest, but I feel that it is another potential, radio-friendly single that can make the group a successful act. When I listen to the track, I get a carefree, “live for the night”, kind of vibe. However, it does not do so generically.
The second half of the album kicks off with an intro to “What Goes Up” that is one of the brightest moments when referring to production. The rest of the track does not live up to the first few seconds though. If I heard this song in a club then I would dance my life away, but I’d quickly change it if I came across it on the radio. It sounds a little harsh, but there is no depth. The record continues with “Maniac”, a song teased prior to the album’s release. I enjoyed the track when it first came out, but I must deduct a few points because it does sound a little dated now. With that said, I still feel the song belongs in the top half with the other great tracks. There was something so fresh about the song when it was released. Something I had not heard before. I don’t even know if I can give an official review for “Chead”, is it a real song? Clocking in at two and a half minutes after a hilarious Billy Madison reference, the rest can be forgotten. Quickly move right along. The last song that showed the original Hyper Crush I fell in love with was “Flip The Switch”. All three members give it everything they have and the chemistry and energy is strong and noticeable. The verses are top notch, just like it the past and Holly radiates sexy appeal with a catchy chorus that pops into my head almost every day. The song is definitely considered one of the album’s finest moments. Finally, “The Foundation” ends the experimental album. Instead of hearing vocals and lyrics, all you get is beat and production. As I have said before, I am not one for loud, computerized mess, but I can give credit for a track that is true to what it is. The band showcases their second talent, an act for creating sick beats to go along with well-written material. A decent way to end an album a few years in the making.
Night Wave is an album that has been on my most anticipated list for the last few years. Hyper Crush is a unique band; they produce a sound that is something no one else is doing at the moment. Mixing impressive rap verses with Holly’s pop hooks are a great way to gain notoriety. However, I feel that most of the group’s new material completely ignores what made them a fresh and interesting act. The album is a decent effort, but it does not compare to the greatness of previous tracks such as “Robo Tech” and “Keep Up”. The record will gain the group a bigger audience, but I’ll stick with the older material. The album receives a 77%.
Tracks to Hear: “Bad Boyz”, “WTF”, and “Flip The Switch”
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