Chase & Status really mix it up on their new LP Brand New Machine

Finally, a new Chase & Status LP chalked full of some eclectic dance songs.  I won't deny how much I played their No More Idols LP.   That album pretty much had anybody worth knowing in the dance and R&B scene of England.  From guest drops by Plan B to Tinie Tempah, that album had it all.  Of course, my personal favorite song from that album was "End Credits."  Plan B sings brilliantly on that haunting track from Chase & Status.  If you don't own that album yet, go out and find it today. Seriously, don't wait for the rest of this review, that album is a must own.  Here's a taste with the classic by Plan B.  It's crazy how good Plan B is on this track and how little coverage he's had here in the US.

Anyhow, let's get to their newest album Brand New Machine which was just released around these parts in early October.   The album as a whole is still growing on me but there are some really good singles tucked away on this one.  Their newest release "Count On Me" is such a fantastic throw back to the mid 90's techno scene.  It really takes me back to that era and it's executed with perfection.  I know the guys were thinking of it as a loving homage to that era more than a some sort of clone rip off.

"Lost & Not Found" is the first single from Brand New Machine and it's a nice sampling of the middle ground of the album.  It's neither slow or too hard.  Their music is always big and grand.  I think each song plays out like it's own little movie theme.  From the first time you hear that sweeping intro and the percussions drop, you are just hooked.

The rest of the album truly shows the range of Chase & Status.  From the reggae dance hall jam "International"(which blows your speakers wide open) to their dark and moody jam "Gangsta Boogie," these guys flex their producing might and show they can crank out mass hits on any level.  I actually enjoy one of their more soulful slow moments on the album with the song "Heaven Knows" featuring the vocals of Elli Ingram.  She really reminds me of Katy B on this track and wow does her vocals sound big.  Here's a little taste of the song with a preview of it from the band's YouTube page.