Call it the cyclical nature of musical tastes or point to the proliferation of accessible digital production technologies; it’s no secret that Scotland has been experiencing something of a love affair with electro-pop as of late.
The Learn To Swim EP from Aylee is the latest instalment in the genre, and while the dramatic, shimmering, synth-based style accompanied by layered female vocals is something of a cliché at this point, there is a diversity of sound and structure demonstrated within this particular collection of tracks that build an interesting listening experience.
The production will be immediately recognisable to fans of Prides and synth-pop songstress KLOË, and indeed with creative and technical input from Lewis Gardiner comes both a certain familiarity and significant level of sonic fidelity.
The challenge then becomes one of adding to or iterating upon that which has come before.
‘Learn To Swim’, the EP’s title track and opening number, adheres to the tenets of modern pop song writing with its infectious vocal hooks and soaring chorus sections.
‘Flatline’, however, pushes more boundaries compositionally and the implementation of experimental rhythms and driving, almost tribal drum patterns broadens the scope of the EP considerably.
‘Locked Out’ returns to safer stylistic ground, while ‘Howl’ rounds out the four track offering with a striking change of tone, departing from the more upbeat nature of the previous three pieces.
There are glimpses of a certain maturity within the Learn To Swim, and while there is evident room for growth, fans of the genre will find much to love.
One senses that with the necessary levels of creative conviction and dedication to her craft there may indeed be a bright artistic future ahead for Aylee.
Words: Michael Mavor
