Evanescent EP by AJ Rios
"In our world of the infinite stream, it can feel like we’re being programmed to eschew sustained and thoughtful engagement with art. Everything seems fleeting. The title of AJ Rios’s Evanescent EP may point to his existential concerns, but the Virginia Beach producer likely also knows he’s at the mercy of the algorithms. Those who stop scrolling and listen to Evanescent will find an emotionally affecting and rhythmically progressive record full of dynamic drum patterns over ruminative, sometimes melancholic melodies. Opener “infinity” begins with a despondent ambient backdrop, followed by swinging percussion. He accents a mournful piano with chirping birds on “mantra,” the drums dragging before rolling rapidly. Elsewhere, he preserves the EP’s tone while deviating in form: “Paradise” finds Rios chopping plaintive vocals and piano around slamming, off-kilter drums that hit and stack from every angle like an M.C. Escher staircase. With “Afreeka (Rewind),” he freaks vocals in reverse to realize the sluggish, narcotized haze of Screw music. Despite the titular implications, Evanescent has enduring resonance."
-Max Bell, Bandcamp
ev·a·nes·cent
/ˌevəˈnes(ə)nt/
soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing.
Artwork by Diana Teaca
Thank y’all for listening!
Tracklist
| 1. | infinity | 3:34 |
| 2. | mantra | 2:55 |
| 3. | the catch up | 3:29 |
| 4. | submerge | 3:21 |
| 5. | help me (rightnao) | 2:42 |
| 6. | paradise | 2:42 |
| 7. | afreeka (rewind) | 3:34 |
| 8. | jujutsu | 2:06 |
| 9. | no clue | 2:00 |
| 10. | whatever | 2:06 |
| 11. | shimmy | 3:20 |
| 12. | ambush | 3:02 |
