Easy Rain, an artist recently brought to my attention, draws influence from acts such as Lotus, Papadosio, and Perpetual Groove, showcasing a remarkable surge in output on major platforms, with their latest offering titled City Lights.
Upon delving into this release, a seamless connection emerges between the track titles and cover art, crafting a narrative that resonates particularly with urban dwellers familiar with the ever-shifting moods of city life. The music has a hybrid of styles and often feels like it’s flirting with various sub-genres of EDM. You have some songs that delve into more experimental territory which often led to some of the engaging moments on the album. The album did seem to also explore organic instrumentation that was usually heightened with different types of reverb.
The album commences with “Head In The Clouds,” where ethereal piano arpeggios and shimmering synths create a distinct new-age ambiance. The rhythm section adds depth, resulting in a composition that possesses both vigor and the delicate dance of raindrops on a pond. Vocals take the forefront in “It Takes Two,” adorned with various effects that, while occasionally bordering on hyperbole, find equilibrium with grounding piano chords and a sublime bass presence.
“Logic” injects a dose of enjoyment, seamlessly blending Daft Punk-esque guitars with elements reminiscent of electronic maestro Chris Clark. The album reaches a nocturnal peak with the MDMA-like euphoria of “Lost Adventure” and the distant relative of Daft Punk, “City Light,” where clean synths and pulsating bass reign supreme. “Lustrous” explores moody atmospheres, transporting listeners to foggy city alleys at night. A standout moment arrives with “Up In Smoke,” a sonic venture akin to Amon Tobin’s sound design, boasting fantastic drums and unique sonic elements. The album takes an experimental turn with the intense “Reconcile,” embracing Oneohtrix Point Never-style dissonance that gradually transforms into a sunset of warm, meditative sounds. The band Boards of Canada also came to mind when listening to this song.
“Wild N Out” proves to be a solid offering, while “A Dub In The Park” introduces captivating vocal work. I did think it was cool how vocals only showed up on only a couple of songs. It somehow made the songs with vocals pop out a little more.
The album concludes with the idyllic landscape of “Fast and Loose” and the aptly titled “Mellow Monday,” perfectly embodying its serene essence. Easy Rain excels in moments where sound design is pushed to its limits, scattered throughout the album.
Garth Thomas