Denver-based producer CLRBLND. is out with a new genre-bending six-track EP titled Echoes. It is the project’s second EP following Square One from 2023. Like Square One, CLRBLND. – Echoes EP continues the project’s exploration of emotions, with a focus on anxiety and finding comfort through it. We cover all six tracks of the EP, and there is much to discuss, so let’s jump right in!
Echoes EP opens with the well-titled track Haunt Me. This track is driven by a triplet feel kick drum and is full of pulsing ear candy, comprising a blend of twangy exotic instruments and moving synth pads. The track is a collab with New York-based singer Keeni, who also provide the captivating vocals, which take center stage over the haunting ambience offering a guiding light of comfort to the listener.
Haunt Me is followed in the EP by the second track Next To You which blends peaceful synth pads, exotic vocalizations, and a quick sixteenth-note bass pattern that will put you into a serene trance. The peace of mind established in the track remains consistent, except for a brief, chaotic bridge of building drums, followed by a pause that leads to a very satisfying return of peace with the reprise of its main section.
The third track on the EP is titled Always and we loved the process of its transitions from the track’s opening tranquil ambiance into a building syncopated bassline that is followed by a very satisfying drop that’ll have you raising your hands in euphoria.
The fourth track titled Give You is the first of the EP’s collaboration tracks as it is produced in tandem with Tim Loch. This track is a pleasant joy ride of theme and variations style composition. Each reprise of the main melody section is unique, fun, and full of movement with continuous genre changes.
The fifth track on the EP is another collaboration that is produced alongside DREAMBAY titled Holding On. It features a catchy introduction hook in the form of a bending synth lead over warm electric piano chords and multiple layers of vocals and vocalizations coming together to form one well-oiled machine. The hook dissipates as the main groove drops and sends you into a hypnotic zone of pumping basses and atmospheric ambiance while highlighting one set of vocals from the intro that repeats the line “Hold me closer”.
The last track from the CLRBLND. – Echoes EP is titled Waiting and it’s a satisfying finale that will leave you wanting more. It is highlighted by a swinging lead pattern over vocal layers and looping ear candy galore set to a Drum and Bass style groove and boosted by a warm throbbing bass pad.
Throughout the EP you will experience genres from the previously mentioned DnB, to Bass and Progressive House music, and also UK Garage. Upon first listening, each of its tracks has now found its way into our appropriate playlists as we look forward to continued plays of this captivating EP.
