A studied performance with the most meticulous of production. The trio have preserved something of a soul within. A strong and exemplary effort.
This is Future 3’s first record in thirteen years. The trio of producers from Denmark return to their latest album, collaborating with and without guests on the aptly titled With And Without. The record is literally split in two, the first half featuring the collaboration with guests, Benoit Pioulard and Anja T. Lahrmann, while the second half is entirely instrumental.
It’s a delicate adventure, a detox into the ethereal world of electronica, ambient synths wailing alongside the slow thud of the bass pumping. With And Without is literally singular in pace, leisurely strolling during its entire length.
In an age of instant downloads and hurried attention spans, some could easily disregard the trio’s meticulous work. Yes, not one note is out of place here, and Future 3 aren’t in a hurry to play it back urgently—instead biding their time to connect with the listener. It’s a better experience for it.
The record treads ambient, techno and dance patterns but never conforms to one style. Opener, “Mmn” is close to Vondelpark’s work on Seabed, a combination of downtempo R’n’B, acoustic warmth and electronica, making it wonderfully peaceful and wistful at the same time. “Revenant” carries in similar vein, with the emphasis on a crisp percussive pattern. “Signature” features Anja T. Lahrmann providing the vocal, moving into centre-stage, her voice controlling the flow of things rather than the trio of producers. She’s given free reign over the verses, her melodies ghosting loosely along before turning into something of a chant during choruses.
The latter half of the record is entirely made up of instrumental compositions. They’re strong pieces, with expert production and craft having gone behind them. “O/A” is a particular highlight, its melodic range diverting from the palette often heard on the record—shades of Atticus Ross are even living in here.
This is a studied performance with the most meticulous of production. All of that, and the trio have preserved something of a soul within. A strong and exemplary effort.
With And Without is available on Morr Music.
