Releasing the disco-ball formed shackles of his personal making and letting himself take inspiration from something he chooses, Aspaul is feeling freer than ever on his new file. That’s to not say that Black Nation Disco was something unhealthy, however extra to say that Life In Plastic is much less idea and extra in regards to the particular person. As he dances from style to style, Aspaul doesn’t let his enthusiasm or power waiver – as a substitute he solely amps it up.
Life In Plastic units off with every of the three singles, however the album picks up much more velocity by the midway level – actually flexing its musical muscular tissues with the UK garage-infused “What Is Actual Anymore?” and Scandi-pop beats of album standout “Statues.” Aspaul even takes notes from Romania’s INNA for the ‘I don’t want a person’ perspective of “Hear 2 Nicole” and sun-soaked “Thessaloniki,” showcasing a different vary of inspiration and regarded facets of manufacturing to inject into his music. It’s clear that the inspirations are broad, however they’re actually not random.
The albums manufacturing has a constant air of DIY meets Eurovision, and whereas which will sound cheesy, it performs solely to its profit. Sure, there are moments the place songwriting, instrumentation, and lyrical content material could possibly be barely improved, however the rough-and-ready perspective of the ultimate package deal is purposeful. It’s such as you’re on the Eurovision closing, besides each act and each nation is Tom Aspaul – and that is actually pushed residence with an excellent rework of Alizée’s “Hey! Amigo!” on the finish of the tracklist.
Thematically, the album is much less put-together than Black Nation Disco, however there are nonetheless moments of vulnerability and deeper emotion to be discovered. Aspaul battles with perceived fame on “Millionaire” and offers with trauma on “Effigy,” however manages to maintain issues somewhat easier somewhere else like “Kiss It,” the place the message is actually what it says on the tin. It’s a good stability throughout the album, however there are nonetheless factors the place Aspaul might dive deeper, letting the album breathe for a monitor or two to mirror and relaxation from the driving beat. That asid, Life In Plastic is a shining instance of an unbiased artist making the music they need to make, and in the best way they need to make it.
