Man, this has been a long time coming. And something tells me that you're gonna feel like it was worth the wait. Feadz cut his teeth with forward thinking tech house on Berlin's BPitch Control before becoming an integral part of the Ed Banger set and sound. His unique take on club music informed hip hop led to his infamous collaboration with Uffie (all you Hollerboard members stand up) and pretty much set the stage for everyone from M.I.A. to Ke$ha. In all that time spent behind the boards the Frenchman has never released a proper full length until now. Instant Alpha takes cues from all over the map, from 808 inspired electro and club ready hip hop to classic house and everything in between. Feadz's collabs with Kito continue the lineage of his past encounters with female vocalists without sounding like a rehash. While the sounds may be classic, he's heavy with the chops which gives the record a futuristic feel. And Feadz's mind is definitely living in the club of the future. Take "Metaman" for instance, and tell me you don't hear the sounds of the next 10 years. Includes free CD version of the album.

• music label: Ed Banger Records 2014

reviewed by le haim 02/2014