There’s a certain caliber of artistry represented here that extends skyward without limits. Poetry and societal or political relevance intertwine in again subtle manners that slowly but surely paint a clear and striking picture before you. Meanwhile, oppression and struggle are represented visually by various characters locked in fist fights that edge their way around the building.
Music
Leading with that same simple swagger and calm sense of awareness and intelligence as rappers such as Homeboy Sandman, A.C.E introduces himself as a clearly capable and compelling new artist, with a classic musicality yet a conceptually fresh approach to writing.
Thanos’ writing style is increasingly conceptual, poetic, and provocative, throughout this EP. He’s a master of finding the right way to say things, simple yet captivating, and the right melody to really drive it home.
Always one to bend and even break the rules in music, Like Lions pushes through the confines of genre and style, leading with a concept and an inherent desire to craft something unique and meaningful. U Got Me makes for a strong testament to precisely these qualities.
Some Kind Of Voodoo opens up the playlist and kicks things off with a bang, seeing the band fuse a structurally complex and somewhat grunge-like aura with a melodic development and leading vocal that feel way more prog-rock and performance-based than anything else.
While the instrumental set-up feels reminiscent of the likes of Portishead or The xx, the vocal line adds a level of volume and intensity. It’s a powerful performance, one that takes the song from quietly compelling to incredibly emotive and decidedly uplifting.
Aratrea have put everything into this performance and writing process, and the result is something that boldly reaches out for your attention – and refuses to let go until the whole thing is over; much like the Python with his prey.
Stephon Foster’s writing throughout this project is decidedly emotional, beginning with the unmistakable Boy, I Quit, delicacy and regret intertwine as Foster pours truth and soul into the process. The finish, production-wise, really lets the intricate nature of these songs stand as tall as they possibly can.
Ayyv balances the nostalgic embrace of a retro, industrial-style hip hop beat, with an increasingly passionate and energetic leading vocal for this release – one that sees the intensity and boldness of the performance and the lyrics grow stronger every step of the way.
A conceptual and consistent presentation of deep-running artistry. What better way to spend your remaining time than to create from the depths of the soul and without a single restraint or concern outside of what needs to be expressed?
Color and Contrast is a really strong collection of rock tracks, making for a playlist that feels something like a greatest hits album. There’s a striking sense of identity and confidence to Underwood’s delivery, and his songwriting is easily captivating and often familiar enough that the songs feel like slept on classics.
A short collection of covers such as this really reinforces the fact that Andrew Farstar is easily the right choice for anyone looking for a singer with a genuine and deep-running passion for performance and music; regardless of genre or era or style.