London-based producer CEO Dreams crafts an array of gripping soundscapes and memorably melodic sounds throughout the Between Towers and Tides EP. Dreamy synths, trickling guitar momentum, and riveting rhythm sections create a consuming aesthetic, described as a “sound collage outing,” crafted using the MC-303 Groovebox, guitars, and vocal sampling.
“A Puzzle in the Marshes” opens the EP with deeply hypnotic appeal, weaving lush synth tones and a steady vocal sample refrain. Illuminated keys and synths build with spacey allure, while the rhythms alternate between quicker pulsations and more sporadic momentum; the compelling soundscape melds hip-hop flourishes with a catchy electronic tint. A lusher glow emanates on the subsequent “Excavate Valour,” where hazier, reverbed vocal samples linger within a caressing bass line, glistening guitar adornments, and heavenly synth pads. Between Towers and Tides opens with a strongly atmospheric one-two punch, and the quality doesn’t let up from there.
Another standout, “Golden Island Blues” embraces a more rock-friendly aesthetic in its emphasis on twangy guitars and playful bass bounces. The recurring guitar progression induces a meditative spell in its swift cohesion, bolstered further by twinkling keys that glide gently amidst the twangs and charismatic bass feeling. While much of the EP succeeds with a more electronic atmospheric pull, “Golden Island Blues” also showcases the project as fully capable within a more guitar-led sound as well. The preceding “Snakeskin and Shades” struts a dreamy electronic pull with its calming synths and soulful vocal flourishes, while EP finale “Lost Ships Speak in Static” continues the guitar-led resonance of “Golden Island Blues” — within a more synth-laden interplay, which is wholly affecting. Between Towers and Tides is a thoroughly atmospheric and melodic success from CEO Dreams.
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“Golden Island Blues” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
Freaking hell this is the good stuff