Immersing in its mix of dreamy rock, digital intrigue, and summary lyrical artistry, The Deepest Shades of Crimson, Pt.1 is the brand new album from Hong Kong Stingray, the undertaking of multi-instrumentalist and producer Chet Delcampo. The totally atmospheric productions complement explorations into the human situation — particularly: rising older, private connection, and the that means of life. Eclectic aesthetical pursuits impress — from the mellow jazz of “discovering shapes in clouds” to the dream-pop glow of “mel mentioned of anne.”
Delcampo started crafting the album as a solo effort throughout the pandemic, then briefly shelving it to work with a collaborative undertaking as a substitute. That effort was the 2023 self-titled EP with Opal Eskar, a trio together with vocalist Karl Blau and members of The Warfare on Medicine. That EP’s artistic course of reminded Delcampo of the enjoyment concerned in collaborating with associates, an ethos that then continued into the creation of The Deepest Shades of Crimson, Pt.1. The album, because of this, options notable involvement from Philip Stevenson, Birdie Busch, Kimbal Brown, Karl Blau, Nakita Beauregard, Reese Florence, Heyward Howkins, Todd Erk, and extra.
“hey, butterfly keeper” opens the album with a conversational warmness. Lush guitar tones, buzzing synths, and delicate percussive pulses complement a suave vocal push — referencing “the sound of automobiles,” amidst one’s day by day pursuits and work. “oranges on the moon” follows with beautiful entrancement, weaving icy piano tones and a string-laden resonance inside a trip-hop rhythmic arsenal. The “random acts of kindness,” line offers technique to a wonderful mix of twangy guitars and caressing synths. Extra expressive guitar tones and vibrant percussion assemble with satiating influence because the monitor concludes. With these two opening tracks, The Deepest Shades of Crimson, Pt.1 doesn’t waste any time in showcasing a hypnotic, suave atmospheric prowess.
Jangly guitars and touches of glistening piano envelop on “movies shot on trains.” “We maintain one another’s hand out the window,” a dual-vocal chilliness emits as elongated electrical guitar develops into the twangier, serene disposition. Numerous lyrical accounts of journey — “drive to Sacramento,” — infuses inside an evening-time setting for a heady, introspective attraction. The album typically feels prefer it’s inhabiting the time of nightfall or late nights; transferring lyrical portraits and suave vocals meld splendidly with subtle productions for a persistently engrossing sound.
One other standout, “uncommon birds” is fondly paying homage to Destroyer in its soothing vocal layers and feedback-friendly guitar atmospherics. A touch of strings within the ultimate minute is especially enthralling, bolstering an already-enchanting manufacturing that straddles dreamy rock and chamber-pop with seamless entrancement. Elsewhere, “mel mentioned of anne” resembles the late-night rock haunts of The Warfare on Medicine. One of many album’s brisker vocal performances exhibits right here as properly, attaining a dream-pop illumination at mid-point because the vocals converge into the “if I believed in God,” ruminations.
“We’re driving, whereas searching for the sensation,” melodic vocals exude on the beautiful “rhythm ace 3,” which might sound at house in Twin Peaks with its heavy, twang-induced mystique. Ghostly, wordless vocals show spine-tingling into the ultimate minute, complemented by spacey synth tones. There’s a cinematic-like magnificence obvious on many of those productions, feeling aptly located in midnight drives, darkish forests, or dimly lit bars. Wherever the setting, The Deepest Shades of Crimson, Pt.1 consumes in its vary of immersive soundscapes and moods.
