An atmospheric electronic pop success, “5 Year Plan” is a new track from Vancouver-based band Carbon Mass. Spacious keys and lush vocals are steadily joined by escalating synths, the rhythmic push and slight guitars approaching the one-minute mark; the production here enjoyably reminds of Pet Shop Boys. As the vocals fade momentarily, the frolicking synths exude a spacey, flickering quality that reminds fondly of the atmospheric prowess shown by acts like Boards of Canada and Röyksopp.
“On a five year plan, I wanna be a different man,” the vocals resonate amidst the gentle guitar tones and pulsing percussion, the buzzing “living to be free,” expansion sending chills. Escalating synth arps past the three-minute mark invigorate as well. The track’s production dazzles throughout, balancing spacey synth-driven atmospherics with serene guitar work and mellow yet melodically gripping vocals.
Per the band:
The song’s about redefining your identity and place in the world, and feeling isolated like many of us have over the last few years, while dreaming of connections to the natural world and people.
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This track and others featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of April 2022’ Spotify playlist.
