Dirty South’s “With You” LP Is Even Better Than We Thought [Album Review]

To say this album was anticipated is an understatement, singles teasing Dirty South’s latest full album “With You,”  like “Unbreakable” and “Free Fallin’,” have been clicked, viewed, and heard well over a million times – tracks that communicate dramatic, original emotions and heart-melting vocal moments. Now that “With You” has officially released, WRR breaking the story down, track-by-track, showing you why “With You”is now something you can’t live without.

“Run Run Run”

You wouldn’t even know this song came from a “DJ/Producer” unless someone had told you. Dirty South begins the journey with a blend of electric guitar, grand piano, slow tempos and easy vibes, gently pulling you into the all-too-familiar 128 bpm tempo.

“One Breathe”

“One Breathe” channels the nostalgic soft rock sounds of the late 2000’s. Similar to acts like One Republic, Coldplay, and Kings of Leon,”One Breathe” sustains itself on high atmospherics, chill vocal verses, thanks to J Hart, and a steady mood throughout.

“In The Shadow”

“In The Shadow” brings the tempo up with edgy melodies and a minimalistic approach. Up to this point, the album has been distinctly laid back, a trait that’s very publicly trending within EDM generally at the moment.

“Free Fallin'”

One of the last singles to be release before the official album release date, “Free Fallin'” is a Lana Del Ray style anthem melts your worries away. The slurred, repetitious beats are brilliantly hypnotizing, creating a memorable turning point within “With You.”

“Tunnel Vision”

“Tunnel Vision” is immediately dark; a vibe change that makes “With You” begin to feel more like a story rather than a string of random electronic tracks. The raw basslines tears through most of the tune, but it’s the trippy bridge that allows “Tunnel Vision” to rock you to your core.

“Walking On The Sun”

Without even looking at the title, the beginning of “Walking On The Sun” made me feel like I was watching the sun rise. The track mixes the old with new while acting as a beautiful bridge between the first and second parts of the album, featuring an old school vocal part from the likes of Rudy with a hint of a progressive house-influenced production.

“The Best Days”

Kids Without Instruments appear for the second time on “With You” via “The Best Days.” The single is somewhat equivalent to the graciousness and melancholy style of Metric, the biggest difference being the trance-like beat Dirty South combines with the sound, a combination that fits together shockingly well.

“The Unknown”

The title foreshadows the mysterious theme of what’s to come, “The Unknown” cuts the tempo back again for one the most dramatic tracks on the album. FMLYBND’s vibrato cuts straight to your soul as the soft guitar and bold drums follow, a slow build up is surprisingly occurring during the duration of the track, leading to a pop at the finish which combines all the instruments of the track together as one.

‘Drifting”

“Drifting” is the type of track that sinks you into deep thinking mode.  The track features highly dramatic violin accompaniment alongside a fresh-old school drums and great vocals from “Ruben Haze,” forming a seriously original and complex creation.

“Live Love Forever”

Rudy spreads his wings on the second half of the album via “Live Love Forever.” If you’re not in the mood to be touched and potentially be changed forever, you make want to skip this track. “Live Love Forever” is not only a great listen, but is symbolic to how flexible and diversified electronic music can be, as long as you have the talent and vision to bring music to a relatable, innovative new level.

“With You”

There is always high expectations for the single named after the album title (or vice versa, whichever came first,) so it’s no surprise that “With You” delivers: Dirty South incorporates a swarm of ambient effects including voices, distorted guitar, soft synths and more all within “With You.”

“Unbreakable”

The already famous single acts as a perfect closer to this epic full-album experience. Dirty South’s “With You” satisfies a special, huge niche between those who demand mainstream commercial music, full LPs, and original, powerful electronic music that’s relatable and relevant.

Share On