“Deeply personal. Quite possibly brilliant. Epically interesting.” All descriptors in our March review of Rustic Dreams, a previous collection from the Crawley, United Kingdom-based, Spectre (a.k.a., Stuart Francis). Spoiler alert, that EP will almost certainly make our 2019 Top 10 List, just to put things in perspective for you.
“…we are all sedated by various things. Antidepressants, social media, etc.”
—Spectre (a.k.a., Stuart Francis)
Just a few short months later, Francis has returned with, Sedated, a jabbing & spicy commentary on the overenthusiastic and superficial elements of modern life. We think you’ll dig it.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
Track 1: Consisting of four sections or acts, the EP opens with an ominous soundbite from the Mr. Robot TV series, in which a voice explains that the reason for his disheartened state resides squarely on his inability to do what society seems to do so well: pretend that all is well. Deep-techno-style percussion and lo-fi electric riffs grind through the set, resolving with a few acoustic notes, and our voice—now insisting that nothing is wrong.
Track 2: Laser-like synth-tones, ride a percussive rythm similar to its predecessor as George Carlin offers his observations into the human race’s illusion of evolution. The track is dark and stirring.
Track 3: Ambient tones ride a dub-esque beat, while a voice moans in delightful misery in the background.
Track 4: Super lo-fi rhythm opens with a few synth tones sprinkled about. Soon joined by an aggressive, ultra-basic snare and distorted electric chords, the urgency in this track is what compels. A few light and airy synth tones conclude the project.
IN CONCLUSION…
Imagination-stirring. Emotionally compelling. Brighter than it is dark. Spectre’s (a.k.a., Stuart Francis) latest EP, Sedated, is bound in a vibrational irony, whereby the rather dark overall theme of a comatosed societal lethargy, is juxtaposed by a musical landscape that seems more curiously explorative—rather than dooming and damning. All in all, Francis’ ability to skillfully place together tones which are both aggressive and ambient, sharp and rounded, treacherous and easy-going, is both unique and legit. We look forward to his future work.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Armonite meets NIN…
BELOW: Listen to Spectre’s new EP, Sedated, and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Spectre by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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