Laius, “archaic dreams” | Track Review 🎵

Gifted Australian queer pop musician Laius makes our ears perk up on his ambitious, poetic, and conceptual single, “archaic dreams.”

“A

nd I ride the coattails of hysteria.” Say what, 🎙 Laius? Let me ponder those thought-provoking lyrics! The gifted Australian queer pop musician is an emerging artist you need to be tuned in to whether you’re from Brisbane (like him) or hail stateside!  A do-it-all musician, poetry, and sound design (think 🎙 Porter Robinson) are key to his craft. Already achieving accolades, take one listen to his single, 🎵 “archaic dreams”, and you’ll quickly understand why he’s deserving of every iota of hype. “Archaic dreams” serves as the lead single off his debut EP, 💿 lost in the throes of an archaic dream, expected in late 2022.  How does the artist himself describe “archaic dreams?” It’s “Laced with nostalgia, it fuses cinematic synthwave and electropop with my signature poetic storytelling and conceptual lyricism.” After listening, I totally concur with Laius’ characterization.

“Archaic dreams” commences enigmatically – unsettling to say the least.  The vibe is almost cosmic in the intro, extraterrestrial. That’s by design, as Laius integrates a sci-fi element even before unleashing this tale of ‘being crippled by a fear of running out of time.’ Ooh-la-la! Soon enough, the record settles in and the listener begins to see the journey that Laius is taking us (“The beautiful iridescence harbours pain / Debris looms overhead, ripping me to shreds”).  Making that journey worthwhile is awesome production work, particularly as the record progresses.  Of course, the vocal abilities of Laius play a key role. He has a gorgeous tone.  The chorus, unsurprisingly, marks the big moment – the centerpiece.  The lyrics are incredibly thoughtful –  poetically penned and emotional.

“A supernova is coming,

Ripping through this continuum

A cataclysmic fury

There’s turmoil brewing deep in me

 

Say it isn’t forever,

The way the years just slip away

This fear seeps in and

I’m seconds from caving in.”

Furthermore, the chorus is grandiose with hyper rhythmic synths, pummeling drums, and commanding vocals by Laius – that cinematic sensibility exemplified. By the arrival of the second verse, the listener has an even better grasp of what’s to come.  This is an example of sublime pacing and the mark of elite musicianship.  Again, I must compliment the ear-catching instrumental cues, which help enhance Laius’ storytelling and gifted pipes.  Again, it’s no secret that the chorus is the centerpiece, but the bridge is ‘kind of a big deal’ too, ushering in a genius modulation into the final chorus.  You know it’s ambitious when musicians go for a key change! Finally, “archaic dreams” winds down nicely with its outro.

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Final Thoughts 💭

All told, Laius outdoes himself on 🎵 “archaic dreams”. He brings the freshness for sure – that elusive innovative spirit. Honestly, you don’t often hear music that is this ambitious which makes this extra special.  Keep your eye out on this emerging star from Brisbane – he’s gifted y’all!

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🎙 Laius • 💿 lost in the throes of an archaic dream • 🏷 Laius • 🗓 7.29.22

[📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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