ALT BLOOM - ASTRONAUT COMPLEX EP
Rosie shares her thoughts on the latest Alt Bloom EP release, Astronaut Complex, and lets you know whether she thinks you should listen or not.
Alt Bloom is a LA based R&B artist, Ethan Thompson, who is about to kickstart summer with his debut EP on the horizon. Astronaut Complex is packed with summer themes such as romance, travelling and enjoying life outdoors. Thompson’s newfound carefree motto is promoted through social media too – “Throughout my life I always had a voice in the back of my head talking to me when I was hanging with people saying, ‘You’re messing up, stop that, fit in.’, I'd give in to it. These days it’s slowly being replaced with, ‘nobody has any idea wtf is going on so just enjoy yourself.’” – an indication to fans of what to expect for his new music.
Reminiscent of Seals & Crofts’ ‘Summer Breeze’, the first track on the EP ‘Damn Baby’ is as sappy as it comes lyrically but the rhythm is catchy yet relaxing with minimal bass and synth, putting the spotlight on his harmonious, soft vocals. ‘West Coast’ is a window down whilst driving, feel- good track while ‘Our Love’ changes the tone slightly with heart-breaking lyrics looking back at painful memories.
Astronaut Complex is a soulful, calming and content experience packed with a variety of musical elements. The synths, romantic lyrics, rhythms and slow background piano melodies echo the likes of similar R&B artists Bryce Vine and Kid Quill. Every track works both as an instant uplift to your mood and something to unwind to. A fantastic debut that’s going to be tough to progress further from.
Rosie Chalk
★★★★☆