The OG fans of Opia will know that their career started off with a stellar bang, beginning with the release of their debut single "Falling" way back in February 2016. Since that time, "Falling" has accrued over 8 million plays and counting and the group has continued to release a unique, dynamic blend of indie west coast R&B pop vibin' music, picking up new fans with each song. Eventually, the band went around the US on tour with Marian Hill, and now that we're moving into the month of July, they've also finally released their debut EP, "Faded".
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The EP consists of a decent handful of already familiar hits, such as the syrupy "YDU" (you can check out all 6 of its official remixes here), fiery, spunky "Devil In Disguise", and glitchy Sam Fischer collab "Secrets". Though both "Secrets" and "Devil In Disguise" hold their own as standout tracks, it's "YDU" that sounds a bit out of place on this EP. Perhaps it's due to the exhaustive number of official and unofficial remixes that it's spawned since it was released that makes it sound a bit unnecessary on this EP.
It's the addition of two new songs, the titular "Faded" and "Heart of Gold" that really make this EP worthy of listening to in its entirety. "Faded" is a combination of soulful vocals with roiling guitar riffs that sound like a conversation between pebbles. Celebratory and with an irresistible hook as catchy as the one on "Falling", this unique combination of elements makes "Faded" one of Opia's best works so far.
"Heart of Gold" continues to showcase the unique and vital production of Opia producer Colorthought. There's a strong sense of wanderlust created from its unique combination of high pitched synth doodles in the background of groovy guitar-laced energy. Strong lyricism and nostalgic, soft-spoken melody lines make "Heart of Gold" a breathtaking switch-up from the more animated, energy-fueled tracks that are on the EP.
It only makes sense that "Falling" is the final track on Opia's debut EP and it's a truly moving reminder of how far the band has come since they released their first track on SoundCloud.
There are so many projects and EPs and songs from New Music Friday that it's almost overwhelming at this point to say you'll be able to listen to everything you ever wanted to in any given week. But you should check this Opia EP. It's filled with mostly familiar gems, and some new gems, but still sparkling, valuable gems they are, meant to be treasured by all who hear them.
Opia is going on tour with Whethan! You can check out tour dates below. Also check out Whethan's bangerz remix of "Falling" here.
Los Angeles – http://www.theelrey.com/even
San Francisco- http://axs.com/even
Santa Cruz – http://tinyurl.com/yaxu2k2v
San Luis Obispo- http://tinyurl.com/ybd
Portland- http://tinyurl.com/y
Vancouver- http://bit.ly/2sl4G
Eugene – http://tinyurl.com/ydd6rg4g
Reno – http://tinyurl.com/ychrdpyw
Salt Lake City https://www.showclix.com/
Fort Collins – http://ticketf.ly/2tquW2C
Lincoln- https://goo.gl/unjgTD
Lawrence – http://ticketf.ly/2u2xa6e
Fayetteville- https://www.stub
Nashville- http://ticketf.ly/2
Atlanta- http://ticketf.ly/2uo
New Orleans- http://bit.ly/Whethan
Orlando- createwhethan.eventbr
Fort Lauderdale- http://bit.ly/2ton
Tampa- http://bit.ly/2td3sgX
Charleston-http://ticketf.ly/2
Asheville- http://bit.ly/2unLi
Morgantown- http://bit.ly/2toR
Baltimore- http://ticketf.ly/2
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