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NatasK, Lake City Fresh, and Nick I Am A Don // The Awakening
The Awakening – 2015's follow-up to last year's breakout debut album from NatasK and Lake City Fresh – manages to be loose and tight in the same space.
March 4, 2015 at 9:30 AM
NatasK, Lake City Fresh, and Nick I Am a Don
The Awakening
8BC Recordings
4 Stars
2015's follow-up to last year's breakout debut album from NatasK and Lake City Fresh – manages to be loose and tight in the same space, likely because it continues their amalgamation of dubstep, hip-hop, house, and trap in a wide sonic landscape. The sophomore EP opens with "Alive," an ethereal lilt about a city (these artists aren't shy about that city being Erie) "where they want to see you down" and that "if you don't strive, you will lose your life" – heavy subjects coupled with fun, floating beats. Album-standout "Criticize," a tightly wound, pulse-pusher, follows, featuring layered beats beneath powerful and soulful vocals that don't dominate the track. "Dance!Dance!" – the EP's longest mix, clocking in at more than five minutes – isn't as energetic as its double exclamation points may suggest, but the album rounds out nicely with "Run Away," a pop-induced slowburner that finds its élan in a simple, driving beat and dulcet refrain, resulting in fun overall experience. – Ben Speggen