Catching our ears a few months ago with excellent dream-pop single “Take the Ride,” Calgary-based artist Aronieme captivates again on “Hallow,” a haunting art-pop piece where jazz-trained vocals meet shadowy electronic textures and increasingly forceful rhythmic movement, culminating in an excellent synth-driven expanse.
A beautifully nocturnal soundscape establishes right away, with droning electronics and a slight, flickering rhythmic presence combining with Aronieme’s haunting lead presence. “Speak to the Hallow, don’t fear the echo,” her delivery resonates with spacious intrigue, quickly complemented by both buzzy and arpeggiated synths that bolster the enveloping soundscape. The phrasing also compels in shifting between the multi-layered “don’t expect them to know you, or understand your pain” introspection and ensuing, more solemn initial “speak to the Hallow” allure.
The two-minute turn marks an especially enthralling build-up, where lyrical depictions of being “trapped like a flower” are spine-tingling in their bleak imagery and ghostly harmonic layers. Shortly thereafter, a bursting synth vibrancy and sturdier rhythmic backdrop arrive into the mix, definitively expanding from earlier late-night haunts into a more danceable power. The harmonious backing harmonies and riveting lead remain during this excellent sequence, which is capped off by a whispered “Hallow” proclamation as the track flows into a satiating silence. “Hallow” is another wonderfully moody art-pop success from Aronieme.
