Saint Idiot is everything I love in art pop. Songs were artistic and unpredictable. That’s not to say they sacrifice the intent of the music, they just present ideas in a way that’s entirely unique. There’s no predicting where one song is going to end, even if you’ve heard the beginning. Because of this it felt more dedicated to each groove and truly delivered the emotions it was trying to.
The first song off the album, ‘Terracotta’ is ethereal and atmospheric, yet intricate and explorative. When the mood changed halfway through, although completely different from what preceded it, it matched the energy of everything going on around it.
Heavy production and aftereffects define the song and much of the album in general. It gives a cool modern gloss, and a level of intricacy many albums lack. One of the things that makes “Alternate Utopias from a Nostalgic Future” really stand out is how well it manages to combine these modern effects within both the catchier tunes like ‘Cherry’, as well as the artsier tunes like the aforementioned ‘Terracotta’.
Another reason I like this album so much is how well it captures different emotions. From the exciting melodic lines, to synths that pan from ear to ear almost stressfully; every voice is there for a reason. Each and every groove feels committed to the experience of listening to it. This demonstrates not only the maturity of Saint Idiot, but their versatility as well.
Even voices like flutes or saxophones that we recognize are twisted and bent to fit the mood.
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‘Crisis Actor’ is another phenomenal example of the depth Saint Idiot has as an artist. Cool saxophone solos run against almost dystopian energies. Pushed along by throbbing bass lines while conversational lyrics meander around. Despite sounding chaotic, there was an odd sort of cohesiveness to it. Melodies were calmly handed from voice to voice as the background seemed to morph.
At times there’s live samples layered with vocals; at others, electronic voices create a soundscape totally unique. Even voices like flutes or saxophones that we recognize are twisted and bent to fit the mood. Everything was unpredictable, and that was the beauty of it all.
Although parts were chaotic and unpredictable, others felt traditional and catchy. For instance, Change Agent sounded almost folky even. Acoustic strings and airy pads supported Saint Idiot’s poetic lyrics. It kept a steady groove making it, maybe, the most easily approachable song on the album. The raw vocals made it feel vulnerable and intimate.
On the flip side, Utopia follows up Change Agent and was perhaps the farthest thing from it on the album. More closely resembling a hip hop instrumental than anything else – the vocals feel like something straight out of a Travis Scott song. This almost trip hop atmosphere is carried through the remaining album.
Not only was this album a trip to listen to, but an enjoyable one at that. Defining Saint Idiot’s sound is impossible to do with simple adjectives. I highly recommend ‘Alternate Utopias from a Nostalgic Future’, it will tug your heart and mind to a million different places.
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