Soaring electro-pop and dark-wave dance instrumentals back up impassioned vocal hooks and heartfelt to imaginative sentiments – Joel Christian returns this season with a six-track EP of synth-pop gems.
Take A Bite kicks off the new playlist It Only Comes At Night, an initially uplifting to euphoric EDM arrangement, with bold and evocative vocals guiding us through cascading layers of synth and rhythm.
There’s a refreshing clarity to the design, something organic and crisp that contrasts much of the AI-driven realm of late. Then as we approach the final moments, the track completely reinvents itself, shifting from funky and upbeat to darker and more intensely haunting but playful. The album title echoes out through this aptly-Halloween-esque closing moment.
Dark Eyeliner follows and here we entire a more Daft Punk-inspired arena, of distorted synths and lightness intertwined across an eclectic and powerful build up. It’s another euphoric drop, this time vocal-free for that fully-loaded dance-floor escapism.
After this, cinematic eighties sci-fi bass and tones of mystique present the darker mood of Siren – another stylistic nod to the eerie idea of It Only Comes at Night. Lyrically the song talks of romantic longing and intimacy, the softness of this effectively juxtaposing the weight and fuzz of the production. Then for the poetic resolve, the song suddenly becomes unmistakable – a great title and hook wrapping up a catchy and memorable single with power and presence.
Crawlin simplifies things slightly, a lighter approach with a dreamy overtone and minimalist lyrics. As ever the design showcases an eclectic take on modern production, this one even has a subtle touch of something tropical to the bounce of the beat. And at its peak, the arrangement is intoxicating.
Mixing things up, the emotional desire and live-for-the-moment energy of No Tomorrow resounds as an impressive and timeless anthem – one that will no doubt light up the space from smaller parties to outright club nights and festivals. A definite mainstream highlight from this latest Joel Christian collection.
Finally we’re presented with a colourful and compelling story and song, the hopeful soundscape and melody of Where Did He Go? clearly in contrast with the mysterious connotations of the lyrics. The mellow pace of these rise and fall verse lines and this again eighties-like pulse offers another distinct alternative sound, and the structure proves as effective as ever – even presenting a spoken segment during the outro.
Joel Christian continues to create from a place of multi-faceted inspiration and image. The elusive artist maintains a focus on mystery and escapism combined, balancing passion and skill in a manner that feels consistent and forever unique to his style.
Album out October 25th. Follow Joel Christian on Instagram & Soundcloud.
