By Todd Anderson
Canada’s Young Negrensé has shared a new EP called Aphelion. A multi-talented artist, he is a songwriter, producer, classical guitarist, visual artist, and co-founder of YUZZYNET. He first rose through a series of sharply-crafted self-produced offerings, building up to his latest offering Aphelion, executively produced by Tristan Renaud, which creates an immersive sci-fi world for listeners through ethereal, infectious sounds and focused songwriting.
Aphelion is a conceptual sci-fi project that delivers an alternative blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. It’s cinematic, synth-laden sound is engagingly genre-blending, and remains sleek and cohesive throughout. Opener “Euphoria” introduces the project’s intriguing, spacey sound with vital synth bass and driving percussion that creates a solid foundation for Negrensé’s catchy, vibrant melodies. His verses build dynamically before exploding into a cathartic and rich hook that captures the project’s space-age feel. This track transitions smoothly into “Highway to the Sun”, which introduces a retro-futuristic 80’s-influenced soundscape that features a dazzling array of synth sounds and addictive percussion.
“Hyperspace” introduces a more hip-hop influenced instrumental containing kaleidoscopic synth sounds, as he laces the track with evocative melodies. Then, a beat switch brings in a post-punk influenced drum line that takes the track to adrenaline-pumping levels of energy. Negrensé matches the beat nicely with powerful, hyper-charged melodies that draw the listener into the song’s psychedelic atmosphere. “Other Side of the Light” creates a contrast with a more expansive, lighter instrumental that draws from ambient and dance music, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Lastly, closer “Circe.exe” wraps the listener in an invitingly warmth as he finishes the EP on a high note vocally, delivering vivid, abstract lyrics with memorable, drifting melodies.
Aphelion is a conceptual release that touches upon a layered, complex storyline: “his first vision of the angel came to him in a dream. It began with him in the far reaches of outer space, alone, gently sinking through the empty void. Only the sparkling light of distant stars engraved the darkness. There was nothing of salvation for light-years.
Suddenly, like the birth of a star, the angel materialized from the cosmos. The vivacity of a supernova radiated from her chromatic-shined skin. Lengthy bleached white hair flowed above her divine statuesque figure. Space and time caved in her presence. He fixated upon her gleaming eyes. She held a stare so intense it was entrancing. A sensation of warmth and euphoria rushed over his flesh and into his soul. She spoke a single word which rippled through the darkness. That word was her name. “Circe.”
Negrensé 9000 awoke from his dream bewitched. He took a deep breath, then wiped his brow, which was coated in a thick sizzling sweat.
This was more than his typical post-canister-fuelled-bender fever dream. It was a message from the divine, which even in an awakened state, burned into his psyche. If one thing was clear to him, it was that he must find this space angel, no matter the distance or danger involved.”
The latest from Canada’s Young Negrensé, Aphelion pieces together vibrant, sparkling soundscapes that engagingly draw from hip-hop, pop, electronic, and more. Showcasing his diversity across a series of celestial, powerful tracks, Aphelion is a project that simply beckons many re-visits.
Listen to Aphelion now:
ROUNDHOUSE MUSIC 