Album Review- Rustie- Green Language

As far as innovation amongst the modern bass-heavy producer/DJs goes, Glasgow producer Rustie aka Russell Whyte has created his own unique style of bass music which many have tried to duplicate, yet none have done as well. His 2011 debut album Glass Swords packs just as much of a punch as something labeled "EDM", yet it sounds different than anything which would fall under the genre. Then, he went even further and released the adrenaline-filled Slasherr/Triadzz ep which changed the entire "trap" scene and found its way into many big-name DJ sets. Now, after producing three  bangin' tracks on Danny Brown's album Old, Rustie has created high expectations which he has kept up with, but not gone as far beyond them as his fans wanted.

Green Language, Rustie's second album is most definitely a strong effort from him, but sounds very so like a mixed bag much unlike Glass Swords which felt extremely well held together in the shimmering atmosphere that Rustie created. The first four tracks of Green Language succeed in creating a very natural enviroment as if it were taking place in the bayou, but as track five "Up Down" ft. D Double E starts, the albums energy shifts into the club, and stays there for most of the rest of the album. Most of the rest of the album contains features from singers, which is something Rustie is new to. "Attak" (ft. Danny Brown) and "Hate Me" (ft. Gorgeous Children) Seem to work well with Rustie's production, but "Lost" (ft. Redinho) and "Dream On" feature cheesy vocals you would hear on Kiss 108 and change the channel. These two tracks sound very unlike Rustie and definitely take a bit away from the overall album. It would have maybe been better if Rustie had just released the instrumentals without the singers on them. "Raptor" and "Velcro" prove to be the best tracks on the album for what Rustie fans really want; they feature nobody but himself and they have the same magic which drew in so many listeners to Glass Swords. Other songs like "Workshop", "A Glimpse", "Paradise Stone" "Tempest" "Lets Spiral" and "Green Language" all contain amazing atmospheric soundscapes and synths, yet they feel more like interludes rather than structured songs. Nevertheless they are all still interesting to listen to. Overall the songs on this album are not entirely disappointing, it is quite enjoyable, but the album overall seems like it lacks the consistency and effort of Rustie's 2011 debut Glass Swords. If anything, at least give a listen to "Raptor", "Attak", and "Velcro".

Album Rating: 8.1
Download the full album here