A late-night, steadily developing synth-pop soundscape enamors on the new EP from Berlin-based Alice Gift. The Nothing Against Uplifting, But … EP proves riveting in its stylish pop arsenal, from the bursting effervesence within “Pride (Prequel)” to the ruminating darkness of “To Live and Die in L.A.,” whose video depicts “a young and radiant woman attracted to the possibilities and glamour of the city, driven by the desire for recognition and self-fulfillment.”
“Krypta” opens the EP with a delectably eerie build, as gentle synth pulses accompany an escalating whirring — culminating in an industrial-laden textural lingering past the first minute. “Pride” follows with a more guitar-fronted immediacy, injecting darkly invigorating guitar swells in a vein reminiscent of World’s End Girlfriend. The vocals’ introduction eases in seamlessly, reminding of Manic Street Preachers in its vocal inflection and synth-laden integrations alongside the guitar work. This is a fantastic one-two punch to open up the EP.
Further exemplary of the project’s strong atmospheric hold, “To Live and Die in L.A.” conjures a Lynchian tone in its nocturnal depictions of a particular locale, submerged in streetlights as the bustling spectators dissipate. “You’ve got to be there to know it,” the vocals let out alongside synth arps, crafting substantial momentum into the Chromatics-esque synth line before mid-point. The Nothing Against Uplifting, But … EP is a striking, scenic success from Alice Gift.
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“To Live and Die in L.A.” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2023’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
