Words by Christopher Kevin Au // Images by EveryLastSecond

After premiering his single ‘It’s You’ a few weeks back, we’re very glad to team with Phil Fresh once again for the release of his debut album Excursions of Love.

Since then, the Ashfield-via-Tonga rapper/producer has earned some spotlight on FBi Radio and all over the blogosphere, amping up the anticipation for his album launch last Friday night at Goodspace Gallery. The show featured free alcohol and a live saxophone player, and we really couldn’t have asked for any more. Now, the studio version of Excursions of Love has arrived in full, and we’re absolutely chuffed with the results.

One listen to Excursions of Love will tell you that its a release that balances cohesiveness with adventurousness: Although the 12 tracks are rooted in romantic tales, lush synths and Neptunes-influenced production, Phil Fresh jumps everywhere from more direct cuts like ‘Rocky’s Song’ (featuring his frequent collaborator, Kwame) to the pastel, pop flavours of the auto-tuned ‘It’s You.’ Kwame’s second guest appearance on ‘Chasin’ makes for one of the album’s best and most dramatic tracks, while ‘Taste’ is effortlessly slick with its warped vocals.

The narrative behind Excursions of Love is a love triangle involving two friends, Rocky and Angelo, as they both fall in love with the same girl, Peaches. Phil attributes his love of storytelling and developing characters to many years of watching professional wrestling: WWE fans love the backstage antics, flings with divas and major heel turns just as much as a tombstone pile-driver. Who knew that Brock Lesnar and his meathead mates could inspire such sweet tunes?

Listen to Excusions of Love in full below, and stay tuned for more from Phil Fresh in the near future: