T.Lyles - Fri'e
Funk, Rock
Indiana, U.S.
Overall Impression: T.Lyles’ "Fri'e" is an electrifying, groove-laden tribute to the late, great Prince—a celebration of his unmistakable influence and an embodiment of his dynamic blend of funk, soul, and rock. The track pulses with an infectiously vibrant sense of energy, steeped in the spirit of rebellion, freedom, and unapologetic expression that defined Prince's legacy. From its magnetic vocal performance to its captivating arrangement, "Fri'e" serves as both a tribute and a declaration of artistic independence, firmly planting T.Lyles as an artist who carries the torch of funk and soul while pushing the boundaries of modern rock.
Strongest Point(s): The first thing that stands out in "Fri'e" is T.Lyles’ vocal performance, which channels the raw, expressive energy of the funk and soul genres with a rock ‘n’ roll ferocity. The delivery is drenched in soul, adopting a soaring falsetto style and more that manages to perfectly capture the essence of the music it honors. Lyles’ voice feels like an instrument in itself—ranging from sultry and seductive to powerful and defiant, with every note exuding personality and charisma. There’s a distinctive Prince-like flair in the way Lyles uses his voice: he adopts the funk-infused playfulness of classic soul, layering each phrase with intensity, all while maintaining the sheer attitude and rebelliousness that comes with rock. Musically, "Fri'e" thrives in its absorbing arrangement—an infectious fusion of funk, soul, and rock, all wrapped in a modern sheen that captures both the past and present. The opening is a masterclass in groove, with chunky guitar chords cutting through the mix, setting the tone for the funk-inspired exploration to follow. These riffs are lean yet muscular, recalling the tight, rhythmic style of funk guitar while adding a raw rock edge that makes them feel powerful and immediate. They’re designed to move you, pulling your body into the rhythm and letting you feel the weight of every note. The thumping bass lines throb and pulse, rooted deep in the track's groove. They’re punchy, thick, and in perfect synergy with the drums, which drive the rhythm with tight, infectious beats. These rhythm sections provide the perfect foundation for the track, supporting the chaotic energy while maintaining a sense of control, much like the late Prince’s own fusion of precision and free-spiritedness. And then there’s the lead guitar. The guitar work here is technically dexterous—fluid, bold, and dripping with personality. Its lines scream with influence from Prince’s iconic solos—sharp, slashing, and brilliantly executed, yet always in service of the groove. The technique is dazzling, but it’s never self-indulgent; each lick seems designed to add fuel to the track’s already burning energy. The colorful synths further embellish the track, adding texture and atmosphere. The swirls of synths feel both cosmic and grounded, an aural representation of the freedom that the lyrics explore. Together, these elements create a layered sound that is both electric and organic, evoking the live-wire energy of a late-night jam session while drawing on studio production finesse.
Target Audience Appeal: "Fri'e" is an electrifying funk-infused rocker and it will strongly resonate with lovers of contemporary funk/soul rock.
Artist target suggestions: Extreme, Prince, Fearless Flyers, Living Colour, No More Kings, High Fade, Fishbone, Dumpstaphunk, Screaming Headless Torsos, Street Sweeper Social Club, Stevie Salas, The Cold Stares
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.