Album Review: Rhye – Home

A tender reminder of youthful optimism

Rhye, the musical project of Toronto born Mike Milosh, or simply Milosh, as he is referred to professionally, and previously Danish instrumentalist Robin Hannibal, is out with their fourth album Home. Home is an album following Milosh’s 2019 album Spirit and was written over the past year, recorded both in Los Angeles as well as the artist’s home studio using a carefully crafted collection of his equipment, appropriate for an electronic musician and vocalist such as himself. The goal of this album, as well as the bulk of Milosh’s music, is to connect with the way music is experienced in childhood. 

The classically trained cellist’s tender and emotional album seeks to evoke passion and sentiment from the listener, soft electro-pop and baselines dancing with the atmosphere of youthful joy. “Intro” sets a whimsical scene with charmingly airy vocals, the buoyancy of the tune feeling hopeful and optimistic, like the pristine dreams of a child. “Come In Closer” hooks the listener and teases the approaching journey with its drum and bass lines intermingling and supporting high pitched vocals.

Energetic and playful beats dominate the album. “Beautiful,” “Safeword” and “Hold You Down,” staying true to their reassuring titles, are filled with steady beats that have no surprises and hold their success in the way they are layered with vocals and subtle instrumental dances. “Need A Lover” shifts to a less content sense with fewer drum lines and preeminence of vocals. “Helpless” reclaims the steady drums and introduces them gently, allowing “Black Rain” full custody, of which it does not disappoint.

Taking an intermission again, the drumbeat is repressed to allow classic instrumentals and electronic beats to conquer the listener’s attention through “My Heart Bleeds.” Gradually,  “Fire” and “Holy” pull it towards the center stage, and the collection is concluded with “Outro,” pure vocals free of any beat or instrumentals, allowing the album to come back full circle and begin again. 

Rhye’s album Home is comforting to listen to, for it reminds its audience that new beginnings are always possible. Themes of youth and childhood optimism and a sense of security are a reminder that home, whatever the term means to an individual, is always within reach and that returning is always an option, no matter how many new beginnings one may take.