There are so many talented people on this planet and within electronic music that sometimes it can feel overwhelming and oversaturated. There are new artists who get overlooked, old artists that get overrun, and it is important to have an open mind and open ears. Today, TRY, the collaborative project between SAM I and Shmuck The Loyal, deliver their stunning self titled debut album that features the likes of RZA, Bipolar Sunshine, RY X, EARTHGANG and more.
TRY was a project that originally started in 2019, and after 6 years their work has come to fruition. At 16 tracks the TRY debut LP came together organically through the years, and has everything from trap, house, 2-step, synth pop. It is a wide-ranging musical journey from two proven and talented artists. It is evident that although it is their debut album, SAM I and Shmuck The Loyal are wizards. SAM I, is a GRAMMY nominated artist for his work on the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s album Show Your Bones, and has worked with the likes of Kanye West, M.I.A., Childish Gambino, Anderson .Paak and more. Schmuck The Loyal is a Nashville based producer and DJ who makes up the other half, who hasover a decade of work and four EPs under his belt as a solo artist.
The opening track “!” is a monologue over cinematic horns telling us we are in control of our lives and how we can determine our experience. The track really sets the tone for the intention and purpose of the album but also for the collaboration of TRY as a duo. “Clarity” with EARTHGANG gets the music started as a future-beats rap song with expansive synths that make for the song fit for a superhero movie. “With Me – Club Redux” is another standout in 2-step with Empress Of providing vocals that give the track some pop influence. “The Art Of Listening” brings on Wu-Tang founder RZA that begins in another spoken verse about the power of inspiration and imagination before opening up into a cosmic boom-bap song.
All in all, TRY’s self titled debut album is absolutely marvelous and well worth the listen. Stream the album below and enjoy!
