Album Review: What The Funk by Chime X Rob Gasser X Brig
If you’re into electronic music with a dubstep edge, What The Funk (2017) is one of those albums that just sticks with you. Released under Daily Earfood—a label known for pushing boundaries—this collaboration between Chime, Rob Gasser, and Brig feels like a wild ride through glitchy beats and bass-heavy drops. It’s not perfect, but it’s got enough raw energy to keep your head nodding.
The title track, “What The Funk,” hits hard right out of the gate. You can tell these guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel here—they just wanted to make something fun. The mix of funky synths and wobbly basslines creates this addictive groove that’s impossible to ignore. There’s a moment around the 1:30 mark where everything cuts out before slamming back in with this filthy drop—it’s cheeky, unexpected, and kinda genius. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why dubstep fans still flock to tracks like this. It’s playful without being gimmicky, which is harder than it sounds.
Another standout is “Neon Skies” (or whatever they named the second banger on this album—I might be mixing titles up). This one leans more atmospheric compared to the in-your-face vibe of the opener. Think shimmering pads layered over crisp percussion, building tension until the bass finally kicks in. It’s less about dancing and more about zoning out while still feeling the weight of the production. Honestly, it caught me off guard at first because it’s so different from the rest of the album, but now it’s one of my go-to tracks when I need something moody yet uplifting.
One thing worth mentioning? The whole album has this DIY charm to it. Like, you can almost picture these dudes huddled in a studio late at night, tweaking knobs and laughing about how absurd some of their ideas are. That authenticity shines through, even if the mastering isn’t as polished as bigger releases from the same era. And honestly? That’s part of its appeal.
Looking back, What The Funk is an interesting snapshot of what was happening in the US electronic scene back in 2017. It’s not gonna change your life or anything, but it’s solid proof that sometimes all you need is a good hook and a willingness to experiment. Plus, who doesn’t love an album that makes you wanna both dance and think?
Unexpected thought: Listening to this record feels like eating candy for dinner—it’s indulgent, maybe not great for you long-term, but damn if it doesn’t satisfy in the moment.
