Los Angeles-based artist Carey Clayton embraces a gorgeous, textured pop and rock intertwining on the new album Headless. Frequently hypnotic in its layered production and swelling vocals, the songs strut dynamic structures that emphasize a satiating tonal range, from nocturnal guitar twangs and dreamy pop elegance to anthemic sweltering. Clayton, who began his career as a guitarist with pop act Great Good Fine Ok, dazzles on this blissful, stylish album — aesthetically reminding of Wild Nothing’s balance of pop lushness and hooky immediacy.
“This album was born out of experiences I’ve had while meditating,” Clayton says. “Little epiphanies, fleeting glimpses, flashes of insight that at once could seem so real and yet so ephemeral.” The concept of “headlessness” persists throughout, described as “experiencing the world from a 1st person experience; one where you actually never see your own head (except in reflections and reproductions of it in digital or print.)”
The opening title track is a riveting prelude, hinting at what’s to come — from the serenely calming synth components to murky vocal interjections and radiant hooks, set within evolving percussive intrigue. “Light On” follows with a sense of appreciation — “you anchor me through changing tides,” — as laid-back vocals arise into glistening guitar touches. “Curtain Call” also excels, strutting a more anthemic pop fervency in its conclusion, following a dreamy initial introspection with Radiohead-esque orchestral hints. Headless is an album with a multitude of highlights and gripping songwriting from Carey Clayton.
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“Headless” 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, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
