The Herbaliser: “There Were Seven – Remixes”

by Jackie Willson

Grinding out original music since the 1990s, The Herbaliser returns to the scene with their recent release, There Were Seven – Remixes. Following their first album in two years titled There Were Seven, The Herbaliser comes up with 15 new tracks and eight bonus instrumentals that will satisfy and fulfill all of your music cravings (assuming you’re a fan of the genre). Able to successfully blend hip-hop, jazz, electronic, and funk, The Herbaliser creates an album that makes you want to get up and dance, and also vibe out with friends all at the same time.

Jake and Ollie have both the experience and the success of producing a body of work that they are passionate about, making music that cross-genre people are likely to enjoy. And if that’s not enough, they have a list of featured artists and producers to back their every move. From Hannah Clive, to Twin Peaks, this album does not fall short of musical talent.

The album starts out with a funky jazz vibe with “The Return of the Seven” and “Take ‘em On,” and slowly leads up to more hip-hop like tracks such as “Crimes & Misdemeanors” and “A Sad State of Affairs.” The ability to blend the two genres is incredible, especially when listening to “March of the Dead Things,” and the originality of the mixes is like no other sound currently out there. Often compared to the infamous Grandmaster Flex, it is obvious why this duo is still going strong.

Jake and Ollie are also able to give a taste of electronica and even a little bit of trance. For instance, the track “Mother Dove” manufactures a heavy instrumental flow and a strong electronic buildup. Recently, they have said that they wanted to really connect with the fans and give them music that is relatable and creative. They have made the effort to get to know their audience and truly keep up with the ever changing music scene. Focusing on the importance of social media, they have also made sure that they are not lost in the shuffle, but rather contributing to the demands of the new generation.

Whatever your musical preference, this album is certainly worth listening to. The raw talent, the uniqueness, and the obvious sincerity in their music allows for The Herbaliser to release a piece of work that will be sure to last.