Echo Thrills is the musical brainchild of Stockholm-based singer/songwriter Oskar Jennefor whose love for blending multiple genres into one knows no bounds. From retro elements of the 70s, and 80s and contemporary sounds, Echo Thrills surely lives up to his name as he drops his debut project entitled DESTINATION UTOPIA (EP). The 6 track body of work which explores topics ranging from love, dreams and ecstatic mind-states sees him blending expert sampling techniques with lofi and live instrumentation.
The project kicks off with "In a Dream", a dreamy funk-disco-pop infusion that is ripe with airy textures, rich guitar plucks and gripping falsetto vocals reminiscent of the BeeGees. Just as the title suggests, the track is quite atmospheric and slowly builds up alongside the sultry vocal runs with its dynamic arrangement and use of layered instrumentation that takes listeners into a magical place where dreams do come true. This is followed by the lead single "Paradiso", a groovy funky disco-house track made up of psychedelic aesthetics, ethereal pads bolstered by a solid drum groove and enthralling guitars. The airy vocals take precedence as well and cascade the ears with lyrics that implore listeners to let go of their worries and release their minds in this club where utopia lives. "Stars Of Juno" continues the fun with a mid-tempo vibe that is nostalgic and reflective. The arrangement is rich with retro-futurist synths, warm pads and an inviting vocal performance that takes us to the skies above the drama in this world.
The project switches into the mellow "Birds" which is made up of clunky grooves, boisterous bass guitar riffs and moody pads to boot. The change in pace here sure keeps the project dynamic and listeners can get into the ebb and flow without missing a beat. "Thrills" raises the energy once more with a heavy thumping 4-to-the-floor drum groove and a prominent bassline that sets the foundation and is underpinned by soft guitar riffs and retro synths. Here, Echo thrills muses on a long-lost feeling he had and wishes to regain it to no avail. The project closes out with the neo-soul-infused "Slow Fade" reminiscent of something Sade would make in the 80s. From the rumbling congas and smooth percussion-driven drums, and ethereal pads to his reverbed vocals that sound drowned out in the distance, the record feels like a time machine of some sort and takes us back to a time before now.
Overall, DESTINATION UTOPIA (EP) gets the job done with its rich compositions and nostalgic and genre-encompassing value. We totally recommend this.
Echo Thrills came to life in mid-2022 when Jennefors connected with A&R and music producer Philipp Landmann whose guidance helped shape the EP into its current form.
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