Growing pains feel like a spectrum of colors, and Illusion Hills' new EP, come outside when the lights dim, presents exactly that.
The newest EP of the Orange County-based collective opens strong with a collaborative track with Buppy., "genesis." With its own world of twist and turns, "genesis" at times feel charged and hopeful, but it also closes with a kaleidoscopic echo that lingers on your heart. While both "farewell" and "eternal" feature a fine sample of 808s and hip-hop elements, "eternal" leans towards a more lo-fi, atmospheric sound. Though, what truly makes the group stand out among similar artists is their clever use of an anti-pop, hyperpop and punk infused production. Illusion Hills keeps the energy high throughout the project, but whether it is the drone-drenched "healing (interlude)," or the ragingly honest "rebound," only the rawest emotions get permanently highlighted in the collective's intricate lyricism.
Overall, the almost entirely self-produced EP has a fond and tender, paper-and-plastic feel to it. As a result, even when there isn't an echo outro, come outside when the light dim leaves a capitative impact behind. From living through changes, to exploring and recovering trauma as a young person, the sophomore EP of Illusion Hills is simply adventurous and audacious, in the best way possible.
