Review: Soulcrate Music – “The Heartland Panic”

I’ll admit it – when it comes to music, I’m a lyrics person.

That’s what always drew me to Soulcrate’s music. If they don’t give you Midwest-based narratives to relate to, they give you a story to immerse yourself in. With their latest album, they didn’t disappoint to present listeners with even more of this characteristic trait.

The Heartland Panic essentially begins with the same format of their last album, Cardboard Cut Outs, as the first minute and then some is pure Corey ‘DJ Absolute’ Gerlach creativity. While the beat featuring signature percussion and horns pulls you in, there’s something different about this album. It’s gritty and gloomy – almost ominous; a feeling the group was probably purposely going for.

Vocally, the Eisenhauer brothers haven’t changed much – but that’s not a bad thing. It’s easy to recognize Dan ‘Dirt Dee’ as he opens the setting to “Let It Shine” and Wes ‘Attn: Def’ when he jumps in 20 seconds later. While the guys have a unique voice to each of them, the similarity strikes in the flow and ease as they bounce back and forth in less of a battle-like approach and more of a co-operative venture.

The album continues with “Evil In It” (easily one of the darkest tracks on the disc), which runs heavy in to “Clouds in My Head” (a slightly more upbeat and jazzy tune). The songs are almost opposites of each other, but pull the same attention with smooth verses and hooks that get stuck in your mind for days.

Up to this point, the album is impressive. But it’s the fourth track, “Electric Heavy Glow”, that completely blows me away. You can tell within the first 20 seconds of hard-hitting percussion and gang vocals screaming ‘ohhhh’ that the song is going to be a hit. The quick tempo and pounding beat carries on throughout the song, begging your head to nod along. The vocals are quick, smooth and intense. You can feel the energy behind each line as the guys step to the front of Midwest hip-hop scene with a pure “we’re here” statement. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite and hit single that will gain them incredible exposure.

Track five, “Keep Hope Dead”, continues the fast-paced energy with a detailed snare entrance and staccato horn sections throughout. The speed finally slows down a bit with “Drop Sound”, a steady track with incredible strings setting the background. The track gives you a ‘waiting on better days’ feel. The chorus alone explains the song nearly perfect with the dragging words: “I listen to the rain drop down – I’m laying around I’m stuck in this town – no need to make a god damn sound – I’m running away from this right now”.

“Old vs Dumb” is the second shining star on this album, but not just for its unique backing music. Absolute’s almost regal entrance to the track is a perfect set up before the bass drum kicks in and the hook is thrown at you. Breaking the first verse in with “knowing it all we live it reckless and dumb – promote definitely doing dumb shit when you’re young,” the track is a statement of the struggle between age brackets and is sure to become an anthem for younger generations. It may not be the first single, but it’s definitely a close second, so it’s no wonder the guys chose to release this song early on 2DopeBoyz as a free download.

Funk takes over as the album transitions in to “Made It Break”. Using lines like “we do the blue collar no king crowned at birth – taught the meaning of the dollar – we get down to work”, the track seems to pay homage to the hard work put in to creating their careers. The jazzy beat continues through “Think About Me”, but the pace slows a bit. Standing as the most relaxed song on the record, the track offers the vocalists a chance to really showcase their range. It’s a smooth song and reminds me of a bar-close anthem – something your friends will be slurring along with at 3 am after an epic night.

“Wake Up” picks up a little speed but continues the slower portion of the album. It also carries the least amount of content than any other track. While the chanting vocals will repeat in your head for days, it doesn’t appear to have a specific verse or chorus. Neither Wes nor Dan go solo and the short track seems to pass quickly. Although it feels like a bit of a filler song, it’s still a good representation of the different material these guys can produce.

Track 13, “Sleep Awake,” carries a steady yet slightly gloomy beat which the Eisenhauers flow easily over top of with low tones that create an even darker tone. I believe the group once compared the album to a “Midwest winter” and that is exactly what this track makes me think of.

The album finally picks up to full pace with the last track, “Learn From It.” Perfectly placed at the end, the song feels like the most personal one on the album. While many of the songs created a statement of emergence, this track creates a statement of permanence. With lines like “I politely refuse to take life so serious – if it’s good it’s great and if it’s bad it’s experience,” it’s evident that this group is only going to continue growing.

The Heartland Panic may not be what you expect, but it’s exactly what you need. Production wise, Cardboard Cut Outs was a great record for South Dakota, but The Heartland Panic is a great record for anywhere. If you want a replica of CCO, I suggest you go play it on repeat because you’re not going to get it in this new one. The stripped-down vocals and dirty funk and jazz inspired beats pay off as the group reaches the next level of musicianship. Knowing how much time and effort has been put in to this release, this one should feel good.

The Heartland Panic is currently available for preorder over at Lethalville. On March 9, the album will be officially released and available on iTunes, Best Buy, FYE, and at Soulcrate’s website. The group also has a busy week coming up to help promote the album. Stay tuned to The Post for more information tomorrow.

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