Deeply evocative songwriting and arrangements, a sense of rising passion that’s heart-breaking and poignant, performatively unique and ambient – soulful and extraordinary. Denver creative Donaven presents an intoxicating level of introspection and melodic escapism, with the depth and poetry of brand new EP meet the beast (a love letter).
The project begins with one of the most captivating artistic songs of the season. truth be told is emotionally intense, a stripped-back set-up in theory, just piano and voices, but the harmonies, the effects, the sudden shifts in melody, the passion and growing volume, the nuance and intricacy, the vulnerability – this track reflects upon and feels like running away from the moment, from the torment of the self; from the fear of loneliness.
It’s a bold and beautiful introduction to Donaven, these fiercely expressive RnB vocals presented with a kind of Imogen Heap production style and layering, lower bass harmonies and higher ones gorgeously contrasted, and all the while, our protagonist pours his story into the process – this search for self love, this desperate but driven and inspired attempt to understand and accept oneself. It’s a striking first chapter, of a seven-track project that continues to tighten its grip throughout.
“It whispers when I cry, how it is better if I die.”
meet the beast is piano and voice again, the same kind of production holding threads between these deeply revealing statements on the self. It’s a dark pop sentiment but with a twist of brightness now to the melody, and the lyrics are incredibly raw, unfiltered and poetic; powerful in their honesty and realism.
Donaven’s writing and his authenticity in delivering it is phenomenal, intimate but strangely vast; enveloping the listener in these emotions and these desires to connect. It’s like the addiction to suffering, a satisfying understanding, a glimmer of hope but the weight or ‘holy shadow of grief’ constantly at war with that.
The songs meander almost without the standard verse-chorus format, but they remain grounded – they captivate like short films or slam poetry sessions, and this leads well into the more rhythmically secure RnB charm and seduction of paradoxical – a well-placed moment of resolve.
Strings and further adlib peaks add cinematic soul to the project for paradoxical, with a trap rhythm, vivid imagery, and the juxtaposition of catchy and falsetto vocal moments. This is something of an epic composition and performance, but that quality rings out amidst all of these songs.
edge follows with more of a euphoric late-night dance feel, but maintains the dark theatrics and vocal acrobatics akin to the Donaven style. Then for haunted sanctuary, music and theme unite beautifully, for an immersive listen of imagery and personal revelation united amidst a creative, colourful and compelling arrangement.
At the penultimate moment, For What It’s Worth layers strings, keys and light rhythms, to guide us into a softly soothing but passionately scornful self-reflection, a stunning but again heart-wrenching outcry, that seems sonically unique but perhaps conceptually intertwined with the ideas and feelings first ignited during truth be told.
Then to finish, a celebratory EDM track of sorts, with lush vocals taking one last grasp at redemption, connection, and love. love you right is open-minded, hopeful, positive, still with those darker edges of realism and personal turmoil, but shining a lasting sense of possibility on the project and, in turn, the listener.
It’s a journey, this EP, and Donaven has crafted and framed it perfectly well for sincere impact. The style is unique, the talent undeniable, and the writing outrageously genuine. An easy highlight for the dark pop and alternative RnB realm this year.
Find Donaven Music on Facebook & Instagram.
