Dividing folktronica with lo-fi beats and multiplying with sun-drenched synthesis and emotive stages, within this formula comes conclusions that is reminiscent of early Bonobo and Lone.
Sun-drenched synthesis and emotive stages
Last week saw another triumphant Bandcamp Friday, where inboxes exploded with new releases. Favorably working in both directions, the artist gets more from the fans and the fans can give more to the artist—idyllic. Deciding to wait for the dust to settle before reviewing, one release that I had been anticipating was from Varsity Star with their debut Mini LP More Than Anything on Small Pond. Full disclosure, I semi-regularly talk with the Brooklyn-based producer and even had them guest mix on my radio show—our friendship has been built over music and it has been a true pleasure to follow their trip whilst creating More Than Anything.
Dividing folktronica with lo-fi beats and multiplying with sun-drenched synthesis and emotive stages, within this formula comes conclusions that is reminiscent of early Bonobo and Lone—polished productions and creative song structure within a homely studio environment that does not sacrifice a transient, yet manages to hold onto its independent roots. To describe in one word: warm.
Overall we hear a cinematic quality as Varsity Star proceeds with developing a neon narrative as he accesses our nostalgia through sound design demonstrated in opener “Christmas Lights,” and interlude “Playground.” Highlight tracks are “Bedroom,” with its melodic uplift that juxtaposes to the title making it the perfect travel soundtrack. Also, closing finale “LED,” twists us through saturated beats and glowing signals celebrating the short yet wonderful journey we experience throughout More Than Anything. An exciting release that will pave the way for Varsity Star.
More Than Anything is available on Small Pond. [Bandcamp]
