It’s easy to throw off modern pop music as mainstream rubbish nowadays, but there is some good pop out there, if you take the time to look for it. Rising British artist Domax is a good example of this, as he produces pop music that’s different from the norm, full of imagination and innovation. His EP, New Moon, really caught my attention, adding in a cool electronic vibe to the genre.
By Jane Howkins
New Moon kicks off wonderfully with title track New Moon. It’s absolutely chockablock with synths, with several different melodies playing across each other as they weave their way in and out of this killer tune. The beat is rather fast, pulsating along with the bass in a steady way to provide a nice rhythm to the piece. There are multiple synth lines contained in this tune, so you will need to play it a few times to fully appreciate everything.
Origin Theory slows things down a little on this 80s infused number. The drums sound huge here, beating away in the background on this instrumental pop banger (all the songs on the EP are instrumental, but the music is that good it doesn’t need any lyrics). The keyboards are very reminiscent of the pop music that became common in the 80s, seeing several synth lines performing at the same time. It’s catchy, yet never sounds derivative.
Energy Test has what I can only describe as a ‘classic video game’ sound – again, adding a bit of nostalgia into the mix on this throwback tune. The programmed beat has a really infectious vibe, making you want to get up and start dancing straight away. The keyboards are a little lighter here, playing some main chords in the background as little motifs flicker every so often. It’s an interesting listen, and a track that wouldn’t be out of place at a rave.
Homeslice is a little more EDM – particularly in terms of the rhythm and beat used. The hi-hats have a really cool sound as they’re played in frantic way, as the bass throbs quietly in the background. My only wish here is that the bass was a little louder, but it still sounds very cool, especially when combined with the drums.
Guava is one of the slowest songs on New Moon, again bringing back that 80s sound to the forefront of Domax’s music once again. It’s also rather dreamy, seeing several synth lines drift through the music perfectly, as the bass and drums slowly weave in and out of the music.
Closing song Nebula rounds things out nicely, sounding like the culmination of all of Domax’s previous efforts. It’s more mid-tempo than some of the other songs here, but it’s got a lovely relaxing vibe that will seep under your skin straight away. The synth melody in the background is really addictive to behold.
If you like your electronic pop a little different from the norm, Domax is for you! New Moon is a little left-field, so it won’t appeal to everyone, but those who give it a chance should find much to love.
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