London-based rap trio Frozemode are a band in high demand at the moment thanks to the splash they’ve been making on the live scene here in the UK. Now, they’ve poured the energy for which they’re famed into a recording. DEMODE is the debut mixtape, chronically their journey so far.

By Graeme Smith

It’s been less than a year since they formed, but Frozemode have made such an instant impact on the live scene that they’ve been invited to perform at festivals like 2000trees and Reading & Leeds, as well as supporting Jelani Blackman, Joey Valance and Brae. It’s enough to get them on the radar of BBC Radio 1, NME and the Independent. This incredible rise has been captured sonically through DEMODE.

The mixtape opens with Maybelline, their debut single recognised by BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders. It’s an uncompromising start. A gentle, atmospheric opening gives way to some driving drum and bass that will instantly get you moving. Rapped vocals come in, delivering lyrics with a cutting edge. Right from the off, you can tell why the world is so excited about Frozemode.

Vermin goes heavy and moody with some big beats and attitude-filled vocals. Silverstone keeps things severe. Its quickfire vocals could set a new lap record. Making It Up ups the tempo once again, melding hip hop and rock and giving plenty of anthemic energy. It’s a highlight.

RUFF is perhaps the mixtape at its heaviest. The beats are gigantic and its layers of hard electronica are relentless, and the trio’s vocals are at their most expressive. A change up in the middle slows things down before the heaviness comes roaring back. Fans of the late DMX, who is shouted out in its lyrics, will appreciate it.

Simon Says lightens things a little with its racy, Jamie T-esque, dance-inducing drum and bass before Stick Dat closes the mixtape with a short, salty party track.

Frozemode are I.V. Gatlin, Lisong and Cho-Hollo. You can check out DEMODE below.