REVIEW: Biking with Francis Reveals Their Genre-Bending Talents in Mixtape ‘BRONCO’
WRITTEN BY RILEY HUNT
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Photo by Chris Steelframe
Biking with Francis, the North Carolina-based alternative hip-hop three-man band, has officially released their debut mixtape following a line of incredible singles and EPs. BRONCO is a masterclass in genre-bending and proof of how passion can urgently reconnect you with your craft. The three completed most of the mixtape in about 10 days, proving Biking with Francis’ natural abilities and ambition. Finding inspiration in artists Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy and Brockhampton, Biking with Francis carries the same drive and attention to detail. The mixtape has 12 unique tracks to showcase the product of their evolution. Each track comes with its own story and variation of the eccentric sounds of Biking with Francis.
BRONCO takes us on a journey. First stop: “ANALOG TRASH.” The track begins with the mysterious drawl of a piano to pull us in. Its deeper twist and synchronous collaboration bring it to the lively heart of the track. It’s a wonderful introduction to the world of Biking with Francis. The following track, “GIMME UP,” is smooth and holds a clear and pronounced drive. Many tracks on this mixtape hold an old-school hip-hop feel, including “GIMME UP” and “WAS.” These tracks are reflective and intentional at their core. It’s a look into where Biking with Francis is taking the future of their music and how they’ve evolved over time. “WAS,” in particular, is representative of the talents and individuality of each member of the band. The sample-heavy track is a golden example to answer the question of who is Biking with Francis?
“BORROWED” carries that classic indie feel we all know and love. Its flow and composition allow the three to contemplate and wholeheartedly share their emotions with their audience. Leading us into the middle of the mixtape, “BORROWED” takes us to “COROLLA.” “COROLLA” is a high-energy track with strong beats. Its addictive and mesmerizing feel carries throughout in a way that feels like you’re in a mesmerizing loop of a dream. “TITAN” is next to follow with a more melancholic and emotional track than we’ve seen so far on the mixtape. Its slower composition allows for feelings of a witnessed personal conversation. The track beautifully pulls us into “MAKEUP,” which, similarly to “TITAN,” is melancholic in its own way, but is more groovy in nature. The lyricism in “MAKEUP” is addicting, with a chorus that serves as a pillar of the mixtape.
Nearing the end of the mixtape, we are met with “INTERNET COWBOY.” The track is a monologue of a cowboy’s adventurous life story and his clashes with the local authorities, with an instrumental assist. Its unique placement allows for the mixtape to be broken into a “before” and “after.” After “INTERNET COWBOY” comes “SPOT.” “SPOT” is lively and passionate throughout and creates a beautiful contrast with “INTERNET COWBOY.” Its lyricism and layers are perfectly cohesive. It drives us to “NOT WHAT I WANT,” a track with similar energy but
with more futuristic elements. Very on par with Biking with Francis’ style, “NOT WHAT I WANT” is quirkily unique. “PURE SAINT LINES” is the second-to-last track of BRONCO. It creates a blend of indie and R&B elements with a vulnerable tug that shines through the vocals. Genre-bending is only one of many talents Biking with Francis has under their belt and it shines through on each track.
“BRONCO,” the final track in the mixtape, is the perfect ending to close out the journey. It’s heartfelt, bare and bittersweet. The mixtape as a whole is a melting pot of the styles and talents of all three individual members. Biking with Francis makes this genre-bending collaboration seem easy when such attempts can easily fall apart. Where the talented trio goes, musical experimentation follows. I say with full confidence, BRONCO is one to admire.