44th move: anthem
Francisco Espregueira
44th Move, the dream collaboration between the world-renowned jazz talents Alfa Mist and Richard Spaven, is back with their debut full-length album Anthem, released via Black Acre. Both artists have long been at the forefront of their respective genres—Alfa Mist with his groundbreaking work that his discography represents, and Spaven's iconic drumming with Flying Lotus and Goldie. But together, as 44th Move, they push themslves in ways that fuse the complex rhythms of jazz with the bold energies of dance music, hip hop. Their self-titled debut EP already signaled something special, and Anthem takes this initial feeling to new heights, blending genres while staying firmly rooted in their jazz sensibilities.
What makes Anthem particularly electrifying is its expansive, genre-defying nature. The duo's blend of hip hop, techno, and DnB elements is perfectly complemented by collaborations with Bristol’s turntablism legend Awkward and Detroit's versatile rapper/producer Quelle Chris. Each track conveys an intricate journey that feels both experimental and cohesive, carrying forward the tradition of an R&D (research and development) mindset. Available on vinyl, Anthem a thrilling ride for fans of (all kinds) progressive music.