`Playlist Of Doom` is the fourth album from the LA-based alternative electronic artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Robert DeLong, which reflects on life experiences and the transition from boy to man. It also showcases his varied influences that range from his obsession with dub, the drums of breakbeat and jungle, the songwriting of ’90s alternative music and early ’00s Seattle indie, as well as classic songwriters like Tom Petty, David Byrne, and Depeche Mode. He also nods to more modern artists like Gloomer, Post Malone, Pugilist and Om Unit.
Finger clicks lead us into `SLOWLY` which is a hesitant kind of r&b hip-hop outing where the narrator asks for assurance and while expecting the best possibly fears the worst. RDL has said that `soft boy` challenges alpha-male cultural stereotypes, “I wanted to remind men that it’s ok (and maybe ideal?) to feel emotions or to be affected by the late-stage-capitalism melancholy we all live in.” It`s a melodic fast paced nigh on enticing electronic pop song.
`Deserve It All` features guest vocals from Pahua, a Mexican singer, composer, producer, and DJ Paulina Sotomayor and draws inspiration from Latin American cumbia (a folkloric genre and dance from Colombia). It`s a wonderfully captivating listen that rolls along with dual vocals that are so different but blend so well together. The was a light-headedness about `HeadRush` which was a dreamy number that recognised a previous haste to react to events but with age comes a maturity of thought and action.
Singer-songwriter LYELL (Alyssa Coco) adds her honeyed tones to `2 Of Us` an appealing rhythmic foot-tapping meditative submission. Title track `PLAYLIST of DOOM` has a fairly hypnotic pulsing beat with lyrics that have a kind of self-absorbed texture.
`Sweet Talker` seems to be a familiar tale of a chancer or charmer set against a regular musical back beat which rolls along. There`s a reggaeish ting to `Makeshift Paradise` opens with birdsong and is a kind of ode to somebody who could potentially become more meaningful in the narrator`s life.
`Fatal Flaw (Livin`? Alright!)` appears to be a confirmation of the protagonist trying to convince all and sundry and himself that he`s ok but not is all as it seems. The number has a fairly past pace after an initial strummed guitar intro. The lyrics come across as a stream of consciousness at times throughout and could be interpreted as a cry for help. This release closes out with `GOD 1.9` a compelling slow burn initially that maybe hints at searching for answers or the meaning of life or possibly a supernatural or spiritual concept. The second half of the song has a fast-paced pensive ambient soundscape.
`Playlist of Doom` is an appealing and absorbing listen with plenty of variety of styles and influences shaping it. It`s fairly eclectic with some quite reflective musings on life and other more alternative electronic pop compositions.
Having thoroughly enjoy this latest release, I plan to check out the three albums that have gone before.
Rating 8/10
