A Genre-Bending EP from DOMUS

A recent EP release from DOMUS brings together elements of post-punk, ambient, electronic, and even some shoegaze in there, all rolled up into one record that, although consistent and confluent, seems to break down certain boundaries in terms of branching off in different directions. The record does actually cover all of these genres, and in different ways per song.

The Last Swan starts off with a thick introduction that is very electronic based. This is melodic, almost orchestral, very cinematic, and just has this very particular sonic presence to it.

This was done by way of utilizing synth pads like orchestral strings and letting that slow burn over 2 minutes.

It's quite a brilliant way to introduce the record because this EP, although only five tracks in length, certainly has surprises around its corners and has particular ways of keeping you on your toes.

This first track is again an introduction to the record and opens the door to some of the atmospheres that you're going to be able to soak in throughout its course.

The title track, 'The Last Swan", comes right in with the driving beat and a juicy bass guitar tone that feels like it's blended in with a synth as well, although I can't be exactly sure about that.

Has the song opens up more and more, additional synths are coming into play, there are those string-like pads floating through the ether of the track, but sort of growing and intensity throughout its playthrough.

The vocals really give off that classic post-punk approach. There's sort of brooding, up at distance, and fit almost like instruments with the rest of the music.

New hooks and melodies are introduced, and you start getting this catchy and almost colorful soundscape to go along with the dark and sort of edgy overtone of things.

This track has two different vocals, both male and female, each bringing a different texture to the song and adding a bit more depth.

These songs are actually quite vast in their undertones. There's always a spacious and ambient sound that sort of sucks you in.

Although it is an engulfing record, it still sort of always has this pop overtone that sits firmly within the songs.

It's alternative, and again has that great edge to it, but it still comes through with this sort of vibrant feel. Plus, there are loads of these hooks throughout the record.

"Everything Happens at The Same Time" is a gorgeous track that comes through more flowing and almost ethereal.

You still have certain kinds of synths to use, but the guitars are clean, and everything else has an almost soothing tonality to it

The song feels like acceptance.

What is probably my favorite track on the record is one called "OK Commuter", which is heavily synth and electronic driven, faster paced, and even blends these strange elements of New Wave into the mix.

The whole EP has unique approaches to bending genres, and I think that's probably why I became addicted to some of these songs.

It actually is a great escape listening to the full release. Listening to one or two songs won't really give you the spectrum of what the full EP offers.

Each track is different from the next and again, branches off into a new direction, even if slightly, so that you have something sort of refreshing to chew on.

This track happens to be my favorite because I love the drive of it, and the synths that they are using blend so well with the vocals on the song. They are just these different textures that you'd feel like wouldn't mesh together well, but they pull it off seamlessly.

The record closes with the track called "Unavoidable Circles", which has a bit of tension to it. It is a little edgier, but still very melodic, utilizing reverb-drenched synthesizers to create melodies and spacious landscapes that you sort of swim through.

When you listen to the songs and can understand some of the lyrics, along with reading the song titles themselves, you begin to understand that this is a very personal record.

It absolutely feels like a cycle of life. A struggle of inner thought and dealing with certain aspects of how life repeats itself, and how you try and find different ways to deal with that.

It connected with me in a strange sense, but I liked it.

This is how I interpreted the record. Others may take it in completely differently.

For me, the message was possibly unique. But it certainly felt like I could relate to a lot of it.

This was a robust, outside-the-box, still catchy and poppy, edgy and engulfing EP that always stood on that cinematic backbone incredibly well.

It delivered a lot and was incredibly fun to soak in.

Honestly, I suggest listening to this one with headphones on so you can really take all of these great textures and come along with understanding a lot of the lyrics. For me, listening with headphones was the best way to do all of that.

This is a record that pulls you away from wherever you are and whatever you're doing for a good little chunk of time and puts you inside of your own head.

Definitely dive into this one as soon as you can and remember where you heard it first.

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