Embracing underground electronic precision with compelling art-rock sensibilities, “Fade To Gray” is a standout track from New York-based project Energy Whores, led by Carrie Schoenfeld, a classically-trained pianist, indie filmmaker and Off-Broadway producer. The track also introduces Mexican-born producer and DJ Grant (NYC) as a core member of the band, its production blending dark, hypnotic grooves with cinematic songwriting to explore the slow, beautiful collapse of certainty into ambiguity.
A sturdy percussive backbeat sets the production into motion, quickly bolstered by twinkling keys and bass-laden resonance. Aesthetically the introduction reminds fondly of early Gorillaz, straddling late-night atmospheric intrigue with infectious rhythmic interplay. “Past your circus tent tonight, you were juggling those knives again,” the vocals let out, stirring in pairing circus-like imagery and “painted smile becomes a frown” transformations of the clown — embodying shifts in emotion and circumstances, and specifically how something that one once believed in can dissolve quickly in real time.
Various elements within the production, from the lush backing vocal engrossment to the combination of hypnotic bass and glimmering keys, complement an artful lyrical prowess and melodic vocal layering. EDM, electro-pop, and experimental art rock are amongst the project’s various stylistic touching stones, and “Fade To Gray” does excellently in showcasing that eclectic aesthetical reach, in addition to a knack for artistry-minded lyricism with universally relatable themes. “Fade To Gray” is a stellar output from Energy Whores, also playing as a lovely welcome to new project member DJ Grant (NYC).
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
