Young Ejecta
The Planet
(Driftless Records)
4.5/5
Juxtaposing the bittersweet melodies of Leanne Macomber (Neon Indian) and potent, atmospheric dance-pop synths of Joel Ford (Oneohtrix Point Never), collaborative project Young Ejecta is a fresh interpretation of electronic pop.
Opening track “Into Your Heart” skips in on plucky eight-bit arpeggios and digital violins, characteristic of Macomber’s previous work. Her whispery vocals narrate a desperate tribute to love and melancholy and are skillfully mastered into the auditory landscape. Ford’s complementary deep bass oscillates like a low-flying prop plane equipped with a musical table saw.
The track is a level setter for the rest of the album, and it certainly delivers, with minimalist ballad “Recluse” and immersive dance tune “Welcome to Love.”
I highly recommended listening to this on headphones, as the lyrics are occasionally drowned out by sparkly melodies. Few albums can be repeatedly enjoyed front to back; this is one of them.