Following a brief hiatus, the enchanting and distinct sound of Isaiah McLaughlin returns, this time in the form of three original singles from the upcoming album Transcendence.
As Love Forever rains into view, we’re instantly reminded of the hypnotic multi-coloured chaos of Isaiah’s unique production, and the distant and equally recognisable tone of that leading voice.
The voice clearly dives into a story of romance and love, with short lines and a recognisable echo of a resolve in every case. Meanwhile the music meanders between the relentless pace of techno and a more stripped-back, beat free realm of electronic and acapella ambiance.
Following this, we move quite seamlessly into the long-form chord progression of Gay For Pay. Again the topic seems bold, but it’s largely the vibe and the implication that guide things. The rhythms feel similar, the style of the album beginning to take shape, and in this case we get a clear shift to higher passions and a melodic peak for the song’s chorus.
Finally the track Zion redirects things towards a darker and more intense realm. The rhythm is dramatic, almost tribal or military-like in its weight and tumbling presence. The voice is also notably versatile, the lyrics a little more discernible in the opening verse, and the emotion within the performance seems to take precedence as the song confidently evolves.
If we were to weave in written lyrics, an accompanying lyric video maybe, for each release, the full-circle effect of the Isaiah McLaughlin artistic exploration would be all encompassing.
For now though, these ideas, this enchantment and dream-like representation of ideas and feelings, all continues to carve out an instantly recognisable creative lane. Transcendence the album will no doubt take those qualities to unpredictable levels as ever.
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