★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Since their time as instant YouTube sensations with memorable covers of "Super Bass" and "Look At Me Now", power pop/hip-hop duo Karmin have been working tirelessly trying to get their official debut album, Pulses, out to the masses. Next week, the wait is finally over as the eclectic 13-track effort hits shelves, preceded by the release of singles "Acapella" and "I Want It All".
While Amy fronts the intriguing pair with gorgeous, slightly schizophrenic, vocals, whether she is belting high notes or providing a rough and tough rap verse, Nick tends to handle instrumentals and production while still surprising fans in the process. The already released singles may be on the opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but that is the joy of the new album. Never is there a dull moment, Karmin are always ready to experiment with technology and genre influences. Since the release of their 2012 EP featuring "Hello" and "Brokenhearted", it is clear there is still a lot to see from this talented, newly engaged, pop force.
Following a catchy "Geronimo" intro, the anticipated album officially kicks off with its title track. As an opener, the pop/hip-hop hybrid does an amazing job at effectively summing up the duo's style and sound. While Amy slips back into her comfortable rap roots, Nick provides a better-than-expected pop performance on a chorus that will be hard for listeners to escape. "I wanna make your heart beat, I love it when it beats for me," he sings on "Pulses".
Released as the effort's lead single last summer, "Acapella" was a vast departure from the duo's mainstream hits of the previous year. Though some critics were disappointed by it "lame melody", Karmin took a risk at choosing the track as an official single and it paid off. It may not have charted high, but in the end, it was a cute, thumping independence pop song that showcased real beats and true vocals from both individuals.
The second single, "I Want It All", jumps out next. The disco-inspired pop track once again showcased an impressive range in musicality for the duo and is a true highlight of the new album. Amy's vocals are smooth and seductive as the sensual jam plays out over infectious jazz instrumentals. "All I need is one more night with you, it's amazing what just one more night can do," she sings on a chorus that will get people up and dancing.
"Night Like This" has both Amy and Nick contributing to vocals while the actual song carries more of a pop/rock vibe, yet another artistic experimentation. The verses start off slow and uneventful, but Karmin prove they know how to craft a strong chorus as it soars to take the song to another, slightly better, level. The track may sound as if it could be a mid-00s alternative rock band's new single, but it's fun and carefree. Enjoy.
Heavy beats and production take a step aside as "Neon Love" slows the album down, at least for a few minutes. What could be considered as the "ballad" of the album, the mid-tempo pop track is a tragically beautiful moment about the end of relationship, about how love is destined to die. Minimal instrumentals support the duo's impressive vocals on a song that seems unexpected from the current lovebirds.
Things go back to their rougher edge when "Drifter" comes through the speakers. "Never got nothing holding me, cuz I'm a drifter, and this is all I'll ever need," Amy sings before a dubstep-like breakdown occurs and changes the vibe entirely. While the track is nothing too spectacular, it's catchy and interesting enough to keep the album on the right path. It has the Karmin essence, but just not the best of quality.
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"Tidal Wave" is another slower moment from the album as the duo sing of overcoming the obstacles in a relationship. With a repetitive hook and sing-along worthy chorus, the mid-tempo creation is a strong, emotional cut that does not sound to be overproduced or weighed down by unnecessary rap verses. Many will be able to relate with the message of love and perseverance as Karmin proves they have more Top 40 gems under their belt.
In what strangely brings back the feel of "Don't Lie" by The Black Eyed Peas, Amy gives her best Fergie impersonation on "Gasoline", a track that embodies a reggae/pop vibe and plays on it successfully. While the verses are well-crafted and extremely clever, it is the chorus that truly makes the song a must listen for the album. Though doubtful that the track will ever serve as a single, it is a nice, bumping song to blast in the car.
Underneath the heavy bass, there is a 90s dance essence found on "Puppet", but even inspiration from one of music's best eras can't really save the song. Now, it is not a bad track, it just sounds tiresome thrown into the middle of the track list. With some not-so-subtle sexual innuendos mixed in with a message of complete control... actual that's pretty sexual too. "Don't you love it, love it, when you my puppet, puppet," Amy asks.
Apparent third single, "Hate To Love You", is a clear and smart choice in supporting the new album. Amy gives a nice, Iggy Azealea-sounding performance, Nick's vocals could be compared to the talented Frankmusik, while the chorus would be perfect to become a summer hit. It is one of the songs you can rock your head to every time it plays. The track is not complex, it has some mainstream radio potential, and remains honest.
"Try Me On" is a fast-paced pop track similar to its predecessors. Again, Amy seems to be confident in her rapping, the pair tackle the chorus together and the background production creates a chaos that works well for the finished product. However, just like another song on the album, this creation gets a little lost when compared to the rest of the work. Not bad, but nothing too memorable either.
The album closes out "What's In It For Me", a song said to be inspired by the duo's record label signing. Supported by a electronic beat, the track is built around the imposing question on the chorus. "Doesn't matter how you sell me, I am just another number, even when it's not for money, use me like a cash register," the duo sings on the slightly repetitive, genre-bending, Timbaland-sounding production.
Pulses is an eclectic, interesting debut album worth the wait that Karmin was forced to endure thanks to numerous unfortunate setbacks. While the two singles released from the effort so far have truly encompassed the scope of the album, there are many more opportunities for radio crossover hits for the act. However, it is nice to see the duo not conforming or ignoring their original claim to fame on the record. Amy does her rapping bit, sometimes it doesn't always work, but Nick is there with impressive performances to balance everything out. All in all, the album is definitely a fun ride.
Tracks to Hear: "Pulses", "I Want It All", "Neon Love" and "Hate To Love You"
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