Future Brown
by Future Brown
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Feb 24, 2015
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. HipHopDX
    Mar 2, 2015
    80
    There is still enough variety in styles that make it a successful conjuring. And, once there, the free-form melting pot of production and vocals continues to satisfy.
  2. Exclaim
    Feb 24, 2015
    80
    The diversity of Future Brown never once feels overwhelming, making the trip through these sounds from a futuristic dance floor satisfying throughout.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Feb 24, 2015
    80
    This timely set from four style-hungry producers recalls Elliott's turn-of-the-century heyday, with post-national street beats and an army of fresh MCs and singers. It feels like a genuine next-generation moment.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 23, 2015
    80
    The vocals--female rappers such as Chicago’s Tink make a strong impression here--are what fix us in the present moment: the party talk, posturing and sexual provocations pose an interesting counterpoint to the sci-fi soundscapes.
  6. NOW Magazine
    Feb 19, 2015
    80
    Sometimes the best music happens when experimentalists indulge their inner pop music fan.
  7. The 405
    Feb 19, 2015
    80
    It's consistent, thrilling and boasts high replay value.
  8. PopMatters
    Apr 27, 2015
    70
    The disparity of influences at play within Future Brown’s music is not distracting or disjointed as one might expect; in fact, it’s the entire point.
  9. Magnet
    Mar 12, 2015
    70
    The group's self-titled debut smoothly splits the difference between the glassy, grime-inflected production that Nguzunguzu typically trades in and a whole host of contemporary club sounds from around the world. [No. 118, p.57]
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  10. Spin
    Feb 26, 2015
    70
    Snip a few of the duds and maybe Future Brown would be one of the most consistently interesting and understandably weird debuts of the year.
  11. Uncut
    Feb 18, 2015
    70
    It lives and dies on its guest vocalists: female MC Tink shines on "Wanna Party," as does grime veteran Riko Dan on "Speng." Elsewhere, a reliance on drab Auto-Tune crooning can drag. [Mar 2015, p.76]
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  12. Resident Advisor
    Mar 5, 2015
    68
    Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but Fatima Al Qadiri, Nguzunguzu and J. Cush have delivered a surprisingly solid record with a global outlook and more than a few surprises surprises up its sleeve.
  13. Pitchfork
    Feb 26, 2015
    65
    Future Brown feels overwhelmingly like a bunch of intriguing ideas left to drift off inconclusively.
  14. The Wire
    Mar 11, 2015
    60
    The veneer slides aside to reveal more palpable excitement with the arrival of MCs from the UK grime contingent. [Mar 2015, p.48]
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  15. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Mar 2, 2015
    60
    As a straight-ahead listen though, it’s oddly paced.
  16. The Guardian
    Feb 26, 2015
    60
    Every track on Future Brown is expertly constructed and polished, but rather than an exhilarating modern collaboration, it sounds like a curated exhibition.
  17. Q Magazine
    Feb 18, 2015
    60
    Paring down the roster to give more space to standout performers would have made this hit-and-miss debut fell less like a lucky dip. [Mar 2015, p.106]
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  18. Mixmag
    Feb 18, 2015
    60
    As culturally diverse as it all is, it’s the tonal depth of the assembly that creates an engaging synergy.
  19. AllMusic
    Feb 24, 2015
    50
    Future Brown clearly know what to synthesize and how to select. The whole here, however, is less than the sum of its parts.
  20. Pretty Much Amazing
    Feb 18, 2015
    50
    The issue is in direction, and the real issue is that there doesn’t seem to be any.

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