Devoted artist and contemplative songwriter NEONITE carves out a lasting space within the modern scene. His five-track EP 2NITE celebrates the unrivalled escapism of dance music in unison with a series of intimate reflections that seek to connect on a profound and moving level.
Featuring production throughout from the talented Robb Rose, 2NITE is a powerful synth, bass and beat kaleidoscope of energy, and Rolling Eyes marks a huge opener.
Co-produced by Janne Mustakallio, who also worked on Blue Moon, Rolling Eyes notes heavy production balancing a strong groove with distorted synths and contemporary vocals; partly spoken, partly sung. The track feels like a synth-pop alternative EDM fusion of recent influences, but ultimately introduces the NEONITE artistic corner on a defiant high.
For Blue Moon we then enter a haunting realm of mighty rhythms and riffs, something like Sub Urban’s indie gem Cradles, only with that now unmistakable thread of identity that is the NEONITE voice and full-dance-floor escapism.
The multi-layered embrace is key, this project blending personal contemplations with the force of electronic intensity that ravers have long-since craved – a style somewhat reminiscent of the UK’s own Example. The latter half even evolves into some completely unexpected emotional peak, an impassioned vocal crescendo that reinforces the heartfelt writing of this EP. It’s all at once cinematic and intimate, and that balance is powerful.
Next we enter the sheer euphoria and earworm of Heart in a Cage, NEONITE’s most streamed song to date. The energy is high, the hook is catchy, the vibe intoxicating and both evocative and uplifting as the music rains down all around. Once again, the EP showcases a superb balance between purposeful, deeply-human writing, and the skill and attention to detail required to craft wholly immersive dance music.
Love Me Like An Enemy brings another fine combination of unique production and thoughtful songwriting, a strong melody and a memorable concept and title driving things into a more timeless setting. Then to finish, Mirage is perhaps the most stripped-back and raw of all. A pure vocal in an ambient wave for the introduction, before hits of drama and a change in melody help underline the self-reflective poignancy of the writing.
NEONITE’s voice meanders with talent and soulful conviction, and this near-falsetto alternative track closes down the 2NITE EP in a way that naturally engages and impresses. NEONITE’s versatility shines brightly for both the studio capture and the live show potential, and 2NITE is a rather faultless modern EP, with plenty of mainstream appeal carefully intertwined alongside the clear character and integrity of the artist.
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