"the dons of eclectic cool" DMC Update
THE FIRST ONE'S FREE / SHIVACD005
 "Brilliant new album from Robin Junga, Matt Shelton and Sam Toolan, whose take on the Dorothy Moore '70s hit 'Misti Blu' remains a high point in their illustrious release schedule to date. Expect a joyride here, with everything from blasting breaks to jazzed out lounge to hip hop to shimmering atmospheric anthems to cut-ups of The Simpsons theme tune (on 'Stay Off The Dope'). " www.tunes.co.uk
Following the critically acclaimed Shiva albums from Crazy Penis and Neon Heights, its now the turn of those lovable rogues amillionsons to show us their wares over fourteen cooly unclassifiable tracks in what reviewer Lewis Dene has already called "another future classic from Shiva." The band has often attracted more than its fair share of plaudits: you may remember the buzz their achingly soulful version of 'Misti Blu' created a couple of years back with everyone from Tongy to Mary Anne Hobbs and Eddie-Temple Morris loving it to death and then some.
Fitting then that it kicks off their debut album in style, but if you think that's the only ace in the pack you're in for a pleasant surprise as The First One's Free is packed with finely-crafted gems. There's new single 'Summer Song' for starters: a big hit with the llikes of Laurent Garnier in its twelve inch form, its a slow and low swing through the wreckage of a broken relationship which introduces Andy Juan's swoonsome vocal talents into the mix. He pops up again on 'Butterfly,' 'No Encore' and 'Antartic Pearl', bringing a distinctive yearning touch to the proceedings that lead the BBCi website to highlight 'The First One's Free' as album of the week, with its "rare blend of originality, sultriness and a carefree innocence".
There's plenty more on offer though, as old favourites like The Simpsons meets Ali mash-up 'Stay Off The Dope' and the Cilla-inspired 'Outta My Head' reappear alongside such idiosyncratic oddities as the charmingly-titled 'Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck' (not going for radioplay on that one we presume...) and the investigation into affairs of the heart 'My Love': not to mention the sublime sweetness that is 'Need You Tonight' which slinks off into the sunset without so much as a backwards glance.
The buzz on The First One's Free has already started amongst the tastemakers and movers and shakers: one listen to its insane mix and match and cast of thousands and we think you'll begin to see why amillionsons are being compared to the likes of Art Of Noise....but don't take our word for it, stick it on and find out for yourselves....
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