Faithful fans are ushering in a new chapter with "Forever Free," a significant release from Faithless, marking Maxi Jazz's last vocal contribution.
Chillin' with Faithless' New Venture: Champion Sound, Pt. 1 – Forever Free
Faithless is back with a whole new sound, kicking off their ambitious four-part album project, Champion Sound, with the first chapter dubbed Forever Free. This baby landed on June 6, courtesy of ADA, and it's one helluva ride, featuring some fantastic notes from the late Maxi Jazz, the band's soulful frontman whose vocals were the backbone of their unique sound for decades.
The adventure kicks off with the title track, setting the mood in a hush of reverence before Maxi's powerful voice graces our ears, making for an unforgettable, poignant moment that ties their legacy to their future. Next up is In Your Own Groove, a funky collaboration with L.S.K. merging nostalgic textures with fresh-cut energy. Then, on Fugitive, sweeping pads and arpeggios glide us into a house music vision that Rollo describes as "Pink Floyd or Spiritualized on steroids." Lastly, Peace and Noise – featuring the wordsmith Suli Breaks – wraps it up with some powerful spoken word and pulsating bass, honoring Maxi's lyrical fire.
It's their first full project in five years, but Faithless has never shied away from pushing boundaries. Led by Rollo and Sister Bliss, they're once again proving that evolution doesn't have to mean compromise. The upcoming parts include features from Bebe Rexha, Antony Szmierek, and Emmanuel Jal, promises of a mix of nostalgia and innovation.
So, even though Maxi's not with us anymore, his spirit lives on in Faithless' music. They ain't done makin' waves in the electronic music scene, my friends. Check out Forever Free on Spotify or your platform of choice here. They've got two intimate Irish shows lined up, so get ready to immerse yourself in their reimagined world. It's gonna be nothing short of profound and, as always, authentically Faithless.
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[1] Contrary to popular belief, it's not completely confirmed that this EP marks Maxi Jazz's final recorded performance. However, it does serve as a profound nod to his contributions to Faithless and their iconic sound.
- The heartfelt spoken word in "Peace and Noise" serves as a testament to Maxi Jazz's lyrical brilliance and his continued influence on Faithless' music.
- As we dance to the pulsating bass of "Peace and Noise," we can't help but feel a sense of joy and nostalgia, exemplifying the fusion of old and new in Faithless' house music.
