Boorloo/Perth-based artists Goon and Daunt captivate with their new full-length COLD FRONT, recorded entirely at Hive6, the South Perth studio they built and run together. Across 18 tracks, the concept album blends introspective hip-hop, R&B, and house production, navigating an arc from heartbreak and self-sabotage toward resilience and acceptance. The release also features guest appearances from Wesley Black, Nxlly, Lil Ducky, and Lozza.
“ANOTHER PLANE” opens the album with strong atmospheric intrigue, weaving the ambience of rainfall with glistening keys, resembling raindrops themselves in their trickling disposition. Soulful, wordless backing harmonies ensue amidst a warming bass buzz, giving way to an enveloping lead delivery. “Don’t waste your time on me, I’m only a phase now,” the opening verse intones during a moment of dreamy introspection, before maneuvering into a brisker hip-hop flow with lamenting “wanted everything and I gave you more than that, and I still ain’t get a quarter back” perspectives on uneven relationships. The album consistently stirs in its range of atmospheric beats and heart-on-sleeve lyricism, often artfully honing in on heartbreak and relationship toxicity, and “ANOTHER PLANE,” featuring Wesley Black, is a stellar showcase of precisely that.
The memorable production continues right away with “CRAZY,” pairing heavy rhythmic throbs and effervescent piano alongside continued examinations of toxicity, with the “still lie to my face” angst balanced by admissions of lingering feelings. Also immersing is “WORTH THE WAIT?,” an enthralling output that interchanges between hip-hop lyrical fluidity and Nxlly’s lush melodic entrancement, mixing its energetic “should I run or should I stay?” soul-searching with Nxlly’s late-night, serene yearning. Another quality collaboration shows on the Lil Ducky-featured “NICE, NICE!” Elegant, glistening piano melds with thematic desires to grow up, while beckoning a partner to still “come over” and imparting a sense of the daily grind. Goon and Daunt collaborate wonderfully as a duo, while showing a clear capacity to seamlessly integrate other talents from Perth’s hip-hop community.
While these aforementioned songs, and the album’s first half in general, explore heartbreak, addiction, and decision-induced consequences, its second half proves equally captivating in its thematic focus on acceptance, resilience, and a drive to move forward. Nxlly’s riveting lead presence returns on “CLOSURE,” an apt example of these clarity-minded themes. Her magnetic “just to see if you really care” refrain unfolds amidst house-friendly electronic shimmers in replay-inducing form, before shifting back to a hip-hop “line that I won’t cross” fervor. Here, boundaries are established and toxic behaviors are recognized, exuding genuine personal growth.
Elsewhere, “YEARNING” shines with its dynamic phrasing, shifting between heightened emotion and debonair confidence. This track and “Address” also represent Daunt’s first lead appearances on record, adding excellently to Goon’s contemplative lyricism and personal material throughout the record. Their collaboration is excellent throughout; Daunt’s productions dazzle in their seamless shifts from dynamic house to rhythmic hip-hop, while Goon’s talents range from stirring lyricism to brief yet effective singing. COLD FRONT is a thoroughly resonant full-length output from Goon and Daunt.
