Dual Review – 9/4/20

Sorry for the lack of a full rapid review last week; here are today’s brief reviews:

Lewis Del Mar is an experimental pop and rock duo that released their sophomore project AUGUST two weeks ago. The emerging artists have been turning heads in the indie scene as they drop this longer, fuller album compared to their last. In 15 tracks that make up 51 minutes of listening, Lewis Del Mar showcases unconventional pop and rock cuts that take inspiration from many influences like reggae, alternative rock, and indie rock. The instruments combine to become a euphoric groove on this LP, which is an incredibly indie element of AUGUST. Here are some tracks I enjoyed:

Prologue – A great introduction with an abstractly obscure beginning. The vocals are so passionate as they progress over the heavily layered instrumental. Do You Need Me – This a very catchy, chill art-pop song with great vocal harmony and production I would describe as “tropical indie.” The lo-fi transition in the middle of this song is phenomenal. Rosalie – The harrowing experience of witnessing the tragic happenings to a random woman Danny sees when he goes to buy beer. Rosalie (the woman) had just found out that her child died from an overdose. I would give this album a 7-8

Professional DJ, songwriter, and producer Diplo releases one of his most unique albums yet in MMXX. The versatile producer executes a full ambient album as his third individual studio project. Instead of working on the usual production for a mainstream dance or hip-hop song, Diplo decides to show his production skill individually. I have never seen any artist of Diplo’s reputation attempt something so risky (because I doubt any of his fans will listen to this more than once), so I respect it. There are definitely some deeply immersive cuts on this track, including the first two. His dance elements can also be heard cleverly infused with the layers of different ambient drones. Other instrumentalists or producers are also featured on this album like Mikky Ekko, Lunice, Rhye, and Good Times Ahead. The distinctly electronically produced melody or noises make some cuts sound like they belong in the soundtrack for Stranger Things. Also, I must compliment how well Diplo incorporates string drones and melodies into this project. Overall, an enjoyable listen that will not be too boring for listeners that are not used to ambient music, but progression throughout the album is not very cohesive; track placement can almost be arbitrary. Some dance and electronica elements feel so misplaced as if sometimes I question if this is still ambient music (sounds like formulaic electronic music at times). I would give this record a 6-7.