Stepping out of Anderson .Paak’s shadow would be a difficult feat for anyone.
Thankfully for the Free Nationals — the LA prog-soul quartet who’ve backed the rapper and singer for years — they’re some of the most sublime musicians in the game, with a handy knack for laying down perfect hip-hop, R&B and funk-inflected jams. Their long-teased self-titled debut features a host of guest stars, including .Paak himself, but sees them approach things at their own speed.
They shine on Shibuya and Beauty & Essex, woozy slices of West Coast soul pop, and there’s an unhurried feel without their regular bandleader at the helm. But maybe one too many mid-tempo tunes pass glacially by.
The most poignant moment comes on Time, featuring Kali Uchis. Her breezy delivery contrasts perfectly with a typically candid and reflective appearance from the late Mac Miller, who died aged 26 last year. On an album brimming with fresh cuts and boundless potential, it’s an affecting reminder of what could have been.
