Words by Kate Scott
Chicago electro-wonder Manic Focus has released his newest album, Minds Rising. This full-length studio album features an astronomical roster of collaborators, including Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), the Rapperchicks, and Jennifer Hartswick. The single, “Stronger”, made huge waves on SoundCloud, has over 94,000 plays and has been reposted over 1,000 times. With the release of Minds Rising, Manic Focus shows listeners the versatility that he can bring to the EDM world.
The 12-track album combines chill beats, strong rhythms, and soulful vocals to create a cohesive and attention-grabbing project. The opening track, “Drop In Feat. Marvel Years and Chris Karns” sounds like an anthem for summer. The fast and unique rhythm compliments the choir-like background vocals and upbeat synths. This song sounds like it could be straight out of the newest Fast and Furious movie.
Aside from the single, the most played track on SoundCloud is “Putting All Of My People On Feat. ProbCause”, and it might be the strongest track on the album. The hip-hop lyrics of ProbCause (made famous by his single “LSD” featuring fellow Chicagoan Chance the Rapper) shine through on this song, and it brings a fresh sound to electronic music that’s often shadowed by the cliché EDM moves. “Putting All Of My People” reminds listeners that EDM is as exciting and current as it’s ever been.
The title of the album is a respectful nod to his fans, who call themselves the ‘Manic Focus Minds’. The artist encourages his fans to “rise above these tumultuous times and use music as way to uplift and carry them through.” Manic Focus will be at a number of huge festivals this summer, including Summer Camp in Chilicothe, IL, High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, CA, and North Coast Music Festival in Chicago.
Stream Minds Rising HERE.
Checkout all of Manic Focus’ tour dates HERE.
Manic Focus’ website: https://www.manicfocus.com/
