New Music: Factor Chandelier - First Storm Review

It's little surprise that Factor is my favorite producer and Hip Hop artist in general. Over on my Instagram, I've been posting and doing mini-reviews of some of my favorite Factor physical media in preparation for this new solo album, "First Storm." A track by track review is obviously required, so here we go! [Feel free to listen and follow along, the album is currently streaming HERE.] 

1. Four Fifteen: I've described this album as "fireworky" and, if that's the case, this intro is the spark. The track is jittery, colorful, and a great little build up to what is to come. 

2. New View: I love that the project opens with two instrumental tracks. Factor is the clear star of the show here, and his instrumentals should be put on front display. The melody and progressive drums here are great. This entire album reminds me of a night out in the nostalgia city, and this one definitely conveys that feeling of pulling up.

3. Die Tonight Feat. Nomad: Last time we heard Nomad, of Cavemen Speak, collab with Factor, he was taking on the role of a snake oil mage promising resurrection on 2013's track "Alive Tomorrow." This time, he returns singing from the position of a man who refuses to let time get the best of him in the appropriately titled "Die Tonight." Factor's version of a slow yet triumphant ballad fits Nomad perfectly here. One of my favorite tracks on the project - video coming soon too! 

4. Better Way Feat. Ceschi: Factor has played such a large role in the recent Ceschi explosion, so it's only right that the two continue their partnership here. Lyrically, the track feels like a proper addition to the themes explored in "Sad, Fat Luck" and "Sans Soleil," with Ceschi reminiscing on the trials of life and the rap game, while also pondering an alternative path. Does anyone else catch a bit of melodic call back to "Old Graves"? Musically, the lush and full track definitely fits best here, however, as opposed to one of Ceschi's projects. Another favorite off the album for sure. 

5. Lord Taketh Feat. Mestizo: Mestizo!! Mestizo's most recent collabo album with Controller 7, "Couch," is basically Mestizo just rapping his ass off for 10 songs. On "Lord Taketh," we get the more atmospheric Mestizo, whose vocals really blend in nicely with Factor's airy, riffy instrumental. The content of reflecting on loss while just trying to get by of course fits in with the song's predecessors very well. 

6. Underground Feat. Cadence Weapon: The tempo speeds up a bit for this one. The subject matter is underground lifestyle but the track is paired with one of the most infectious earwormy melodies on the album and one of the catchiest hooks thanks to Cadence. Very solid addition. 

7. ZaapZ: I noted my "night out in the nostalgia city" metaphor earlier. The album feels like driving down a bright light city mainstreet and catching colorful glimpses of the past via the people you see. This headbobber instrumental feels like a slow drive intermission on the journey. 

8. Black NASA Feat. Onry Ozzborn: From here, the tracks (specifically the vocal ones,) get a bit grimier - and what better way to do that than with Onry Ozz! With an eerily relevant opener line, "Tell everyone to stay indoors for the time being," Onry delivers an ominous track relating to the various traps and pitfalls in life. The keys that Factor puts behind him are awesome, giving off a back alley type of feel. 

9. Long Game Feat. Dope KNife: This one might be the only slight misstep on the album imo. Dope KNife, a great rapper, crafts some good verses in tribute to lost friends, but the minimalistic drums sort of take me out of both the song and album in general. The hook also leaves a bit to be desired. Not a bad track by any means, but likely the one I'm most likely to skip over as time goes on. 

10. Lawnchair Feat. Taylor Jade: Going back to my metaphor, this slower instrumental, with some great background vocalizing from Taylor Jade, feels like an intersection U-turn to me, which itself serves as some metaphor of the reflective theme of the project. The horns near the end are top notch as well. 

11. Hurricane Ex Feat. Kay The Aquanaut: Another contender for best song on the album. Factor's synths on this are strong and mesmerizing, and really tell a story on their own. Kay's additions are equally impressive, giving us a harsh "tribute" to an ex, which may be an actual ex-partner and/or a placeholder for something greater (e.g. the scene.) This also has the strongest hook on the album. 

12. First Storm Feat. Myka 9: We first got to hear this title track as part of last year's "Years" compilation, which collected all three albums from Myka 9 and Factor in addition to loosie tracks they worked on together. At first, I wasn't a huge fan of the song, but re-visiting it here within this context makes me enjoy it much more. As the last vocal track on the album, we're given the juxtaposition of a forbidding, slightly jittery, instrumental and Myka's calm attention-demanding voice. The song follows the attempt to maintain sanity amidst the storm. As a wrap-up to the album, this works very well. 

13. Ocean Steps: A quiet melodic instrumental, and easily my favorite instrumental track off the album. The song feels like a sunrise after a long night (or storm.) If anything, I just wish we got a slightly extended version. Vintage Factor. 

14. Verbeke '91: The official closer is a 30 second track comprised mainly of some vocal recording or sample. I'm not sure the history or meaning behind this one, but I'm intrigued to find out.


Overall, "First Storm" is another strong entry into the Factor catalogue. If I had to compare it to a past work, it'd be 2008's "Chandelier." Lyrically, this album is a bit darker, but musically, "First Storm" shares, and builds upon, the explosive colorful sounds of "Chandelier." Stream, download, and buy merch (vinyl, cds, cassettes, shirts, hats) from the album HERE!