Easy Rain
Easy Rain's Just Fantasy is an album that thrives on its inventive spirit while maintaining an accessible framework. The predominant 4/4 beats transform and mutate, creating a fluid listening experience. The opener, “In Memoriam,” stands out with its beautifully dark grooves and captivating vocals—whether they’re AI-generated or not, they sound undeniably cool.
Throughout the album, vocals appear sporadically, treated as another instrument rather than a constant presence. This approach, combined with guest vocalists, adds to the album's dynamic texture. “Free Spirit” is another highlight, with an 80s-inspired groove that feels like it could score an episode of Knight Rider. The album’s willingness to experiment is evident in tracks like “ThrillRyde,” a cinematic grindcore piece that feels like diving into the guts of a computer.
There are also moments of laid-back chill, exemplified by “Home Base,” while “Slurp” offers a beat that's simultaneously soft and hard to resist. Tracks like "Neon Shadows" delve into a dreamy soundscape, blending synth layers and ethereal melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The final track, "Elysian Fields," wraps up the album with a euphoric crescendo, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of Easy Rain’s masterful balance of innovation and cohesion.
Just Fantasy manages to carve out a signature sound, yet it isn't afraid to push boundaries, resulting in a captivating and innovative album.