Sunshine Funtime is one of the most eclectically interesting playlists released in recent months. Glowing Ice showcases a number of influences throughout this sophomore project, but if you simply let the collection play – the music offers a few distinct threads, as well as an hour or so of listening that’s as multi-layered and colourful as it is unpredictable. The good vibes, the synth-led warmth and the riffs, the character – all of this admittedly fuses well, making the project the perfect choice for those last long summer nights that linger around us.
Afterlife Oasis introduces things with a retro ambiance that’s easy to vibe to. There are flickers of personality, and this increases throughout the album, so although the music offers both familiarity and freshness, nostalgia and originality, you start to relate to the vibes within and the whole thing evolves to be an easy go-to.
Old School sees the pace pick up and the vibe change direction notably. The title speaks appropriately as to what lies within, old school raps and heavier, high energy beats collide and collaborate for this classically uplifting and synth-vibrant piece of music and performance.
White Picket Fence is an absolute stand out track, the delicate, dreamlike leading riff contrasts with the attitude and retro style of the vocal part, so you get something that’s memorable and surprisingly easy to vibe to.
The soundscapes throughout this album become increasingly blissful to escape among. What you come to appreciate on top of this though, is that there are so many additional elements of individuality – giving the project and the artist a thread of their own. The use of hip hop, the voice with which it’s delivered, the poetic references and images – all of this keeps things moving and holds tight to your attention.
Sunset Honeymoon is the perfect example. The music and the lyrics all lean in the direction of simple good vibes, laid back fun – everything the album title implies. The production is classic and fairly retro but impressive nonetheless, the thought that has gone into each piece is clear. As suggested – the further into the album you get, the more enjoyable it becomes; the more set in stone it starts to appear that Glowing Ice has the reliable, creative and professional ability to see you through an evening.
Elsewhere on the project, Nasty stands out for its sheer use of contrast between the appropriately filthy story-line and the dreamlike ambiance. Move Your Ass rightfully veers off in something of a Euro-pop / classic EDM or old school hardcore direction – the lyrical honesty is relatable and refreshing, verging on comical, which really just adds to the easy-going good vibes of the whole experience. Eggplant Emoji follows and fully revels in the comedic, modern day references.
The second and third time you listen to this album is where you’ll really start to appreciate the artist’s approach to creativity and lyricism. Tracks like Song On The Radio are smile-inducing in their undeniable realness or their overly blatant addressing of today’s world. There are more than a few lyrical gems that are simple and silly and easy to let slip the first time around. So Hot is equally relevant and impossible to ignore once it all really sinks in. Gamer Girl follows a similar thread of modernity but picks up the pace intensely with a heavier, manic rock vibe and some contrastingly quiet, story-telling verses.
Mustang Boy makes for a bold penultimate track and another highlight, the meandering synth riff has a classic dance feel and the simple commercial lyricism has a similarly nostalgic aura that drives in an easy to enjoy way. Twilight follows and brings the collection to a calming finish. There’s something blissfully soothing about the poetic outpouring and the softness of the vocal delivery. This is a final highlight and a personal favourite. It shows a slightly different side to the artist, yet still it fits in with the feel of the project in full. The ending is pretty perfect too considering all that took place within.
Never has an album name been more on point, in hindsight. This is an easy must for music fans and those who like to enjoy the good vibes, good rhythms, and not take life too seriously. Download the album via iTunes or stream it on Spotify.
