Front to back, Theophilus London’s ‘Vibes’ delivers on the name. While the album takes you through diverse terrain, the sound and message remain cohesive all the way through.

Fusing genres is nothing new in 2014, but Theo has a unique and compelling gift for the art; effortlessly soaking in various influences then projecting them in a completely fresh way. 80’s synth-pop, dancehall, funk, disco, r&b, dance, and soul course through the whole project with unmistakable rhythm, and of course there are moments when it’s decidedly hip hop. With all of these apparent mash ups, the marrying quality overall is a full, encompassing sound. At every moment the sound runs through you. Encases you. Envelops you. There are very rarely instances where you don’t want to break out in a dance. The whole thing screams summer – daytime pool parties and late night drives – so it was no surprise to hear it was recorded entirely in Palm Springs, CA.

Water Me, which features the legendary funk/soul artist Leon Ware (he appears again on Need Somebody) starts the mood off on a slow and beautiful melodic climb. The earnest sentiment "Water me, I will grow” is repeated over and over in waves. Early on, the album drips with undulating, nearly haunting vibes. The best music is cinematic and visually stimulating, and Vibes is definitely that from the jump.

By the 2nd track Neu Law, speed starts to pick up and a funky disco sway bleeds in. This track is cocky and cool, sounding like it could have been on 2013's Yeezus. That sound continues through on Take And Look, although this is slightly more electronic than the former. 

Can't Stop featuring Mr West himself (who executive produced the album) is definitely a high point and by all accounts, the most popular track on the album. Kanye starts it off by being well, #Kanye, with lines like "Everything she was doin was cool, but it ain't Ralph tho" and "If this party ain't got hoes, my intro's my outro." Due to its undeniably addictive hook and upbeat pace, this tune will see prolonged play over the coming months. Plus "please spend the night forever" and "we set alarm clocks just to wake and bake" are some of Theo's most memorable lines on the whole album.

From here the pace continues to quicken and build with party anthems Get Me Right and Heartbreaker daring you to stand up and shake it. 

At this point, the album takes an unexpected but welcome shift into Do Girls, the sound changing from cheerfully buoyant to a slower hypnotic beat with Theo boasting his ability to turn gay females straight "she told me that she only do girls... til she met a player like me." The song is sexy and chilling with a dangerous feel.  

Tribe featuring Jesse Boykins III, picks the vibe right back up with hard hitting drums and a West Indian influence. (Theophilus is originally from Trinidad) It's hard not to want to shake your ass when you hear it and the video (see below) illustrates this perfectly.

"They say every good girl want a bad boy who only gon be good to her.. They say every bad boy want a good girl who only gon be bad for him" - Smoke (featuring vocals from the beautiful French singer, Soko) blurs the noise back down to a synthy, psychedelic stream of harmony. This interlude leads perfectly into Smoke Dancehall a steady and upbeat ode to reggae, dancehall, and the islands. The track is rhythmic, bouncy, playful and features my favourite line on the whole album "New York bad bwoy, Trini to the bone.. We don't f**k around you can hear it in my tone."

Need Somebody (ft. Leon Ware) is arguably the happiest song on the whole thing and that joy is infectious. This song makes me want to skip in the best way possible. 

Last (but certainly not least) is Dev Hynes & The Force MDs assisted Figure It Out, a slow 80's influenced synth-pop ballad to turn the vibes right down to chill level after such an epic journey.

As a body of work, Vibes proves what you can achieve when you aren't afraid to collaborate, surround yourself with the right team, have a fearless attitude, and a unique perspective on the possibilities of sound. This may well be the best album I've heard this year.

I give it 10/10

1. Water Me ft. Leon Ware
2. Neu Law
3. Take And Look
4. Can't Stop ft. Kanye West
5. Get Me Right
6. Heartbreaker
7. Do Girls
8. Tribe ft. Jesse Boykins III
9. Smoke (Interlude) ft. Soko
10. Smoke Dancehall
11. Need Somebody ft. Leon Ware
12. Figure It Out ft. Devonte Hynes & The Force MDs

Top Tracks -  Can't Stop, Get Me Right, Smoke Dancehall, Need Somebody... oh and all of them.

Recommended If You Like - Early Kid Cudi, Mos Def when he sing-raps, Daft Punk, Blood Orange, Kanye... or just if you have ears.