Rex Orange County, “THREAT” | Track Review 🎵

Rex Orange County (Alex O’Connor) delivers a stark contrast on his summery, tropical-pop-infused single, “THREAT,” with mixed results.

Change can be scary, and sometimes, off-putting.  That’s the case with 🎵 “Threat”, the latest single by 🎙 Rex Orange County (🎙 Alex O’Connor).  O’Connor, of course, is fresh off a fabulous album, 💿 WHO CARES?, among my favorites of 2022.  This single, however, contrasts everything that appeared on that album, and generally, other songs I’ve heard from O’Connor to this point. 

There are some positives.  The percussive groove is sweet.  Furthermore, the tropical-pop production and sound are respectable.  Even so, this sound isn’t a sound I’d envision for O’Connor – different for sure.  Also different is the slickness of the vocal production (with effects) on O’Connor’s vocals.  It sounds almost too slick and, again, different from what listeners have been accustomed to.  What is familiar is his unique timbre, which shines on melismatic portions of the melody.  It’s also worth noting that there are fast-paced, agile vocals.  Even if “Threat” has some question marks, one surefire section that isn’t a question mark is the memorable, tuneful chorus.

“I hope he’s not a threat to me

But I’m still gonna feel it

I don’t believe it

I can’t achieve it…”

Thematically, Rex Orange County shows his cards without question – he fears someone else better than him will come along.

Final Thoughts 💭 

So, how does 🎵 “Threat” stack up? All told, it’s a respectable record, with plenty of enjoyable moments, led by the chorus.  That said, “Threat” sounds quite different from other records by Rex Orange County.  After hearing it for the first time, I found myself still trying to process this stark change.  Give him credit for trying something different, even if it’s not quite my cup of tea.

🎙 Rex Orange County • 🎵 “THREAT” • 🏷 Rex Orange County / Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 8.9.22

[📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Rex Orange County,  Sony Music Entertainment]