Dirty Gold

Having leaked her own album on Soundcloud after disagreeing with the label’s projected release date of March 2014, Dirty Gold was eventually made available a full three months earlier meaning it hit that strange ‘No Man’s Land’ territory in-between Christmas and New Year that spells bad news for labels. However, despite this, the musical diversity and slick production hasn’t failed to shine through.

As far as rap records go, Dirty Gold is most definitely a mainstream offering with many tracks baring striking resemblances to current radio-regulars – perhaps why Haze was so keen to get it out before the material seemed out-dated? Either way, thanks to super producer, Markus Dravs, the record is brimming with his signature Coldplay-esque synths and anthemic choruses binding the whole thing together.

Echelon (It’s My Way) is the lead single to be taken from the album and is a more conforming ‘rap’ track than many others on the record, which tends to lean more on the Pop side of the fence. Haze confidently spits about the latest fashion trends on Echelon, but sadly lacks much of the substance heard on the rest of the album.

A Tribe Called Red is a fast moving, exhilarating track with Haze demonstrating a new side to her personality not yet exposed in any of her previous records – a sense of survival and realisation, about moving on and accepting the past rises to the surface throughout the album. Haze’s sad past filled with abuse and family relationship struggles makes way for lines such as “You’ve got to make the decision and be the one difference in your life and turn it around”. Although perhaps a slightly clichéd statement, listeners will grow familiar with this theme echoed throughout Dirty Gold.

From synth-fuelled, quick-tongued tracks like Black Synagogue to melancholy ballads such as Angels And Airwaves, Dirty Gold is certainly a diverse display of Haze’s musical abilities as well as an outlet to express her opinions and overcoming of personal issues. Through aggressive, frank flows her tracks show a newfound confidence and view on the world, bringing a new light to her songwriting.

Dirty Gold was part-recorded at Miloco’s Spanish residential studio, El Mirador and produced by Markus Dravs. Released through Island / Republic Records.