Electronically-charged strikes
P!XLZ introduces a world of cyber-esque electronic vocals mixed over wavering beats and blended with hints of electronic influence in their new EP: Black Hearts. The tracklist follows the narrative of disorienting production and vocoder-dipped vocals as P!XLZ channels feelings of intimacy, betrayal and heartbreak.
On the opening track “True Love,” vocals are layered with an autotuned production, establishing the theme and vibe of the EP. The same type of sound transitions into “My Enemy,” with cheerily pitched vocals disguising the sadness of lyrics such as “I know you’re a liar… you’re my enemy…” in an almost preppy, overly optimistic production. Lines such as “I’ve seen this too many times, but I am a survivor…” are a contrast to the sadness in the other lyrics, taking a fight-or-flight stance and choosing to fight on through the pain. The cheerful, tailored production in this track adds sentiment to these lyrics, almost paving the song and the lyrics as a sort of anthem towards perseverance. Guitar chords are strung within these tracks, particularly chords of the electric variety, which give these tracks an extra bit of striking oomph.
“Jungle” is another track in the EP. Taking after its title, the track is a wild one that springs listeners towards an electronically sonic space of unconventionally charged vocals and beeping robot noises. This atmosphere creates a carefree, childish vibe, mimicking the sounds produced when speaking into a fan and listening to the current transform the sound waves to a wavering drone. Nerko G’s feature is a nice touch, incorporating his signature deep, grimy flow in contrast with the bubbly electronic synths scattered throughout the layers of production in the track.
Pulling everything together, the title track, “Black Hearts” epitomizes the album’s sound, wavering with pop and electronic influences, with both upbeat vocals and jarring electronic synths.
P!XLZ’s new EP Black Hearts is a tracklist of playful, fun electronic and pop tracks with hints of sorrowful lyricism scattered throughout for those who are willing to listen past the surface. The EP explores themes that many are prone to relate to, and through its experimental and unconventional venture in electronic-pop influences, P!XLZ proves to have their own sound established in their discography.
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