It’s taken a while for Samuel Long to reach this point. SOPHIE first garnered media attention

It’s taken a while for Samuel Long to reach this point. SOPHIE first garnered media attention back in 2013 with his “Bipp/Elle” single, which introduced us to his unique, plastic-coated style, and now comes Product, Long’s debut album and a collection of hyperactivity, both liquid and metallic. It’s difficult to describe the sonic quality of SOPHIE without using materials to describe them - it’s a bizarre sensation to hear dance music built from a selection of textures, but it’s hugely enjoyable and rewarding.The album eight tracks feature four previously-released singles, but it’s still great to have them all contained as part of a whole. “Lemonade” is still as carbonated as it was in 2014, and “Hard” is still fuelled with such powerful clinks and metallic bangs. The opening four songs on the album definitely do not gently show you around the world SOPHIE has sculpted. You’re immediately dropped into the deep end and you’re almost forced into melding with the songs. The irregular beats, futuristic synths and overall flexibility of the sounds creates a mesmerising experience; whilst SOPHIE’s sounds are artificial, they produce real emotion.“Msmsmsm” carries over similar metallic slaps from “Hard”, but presents them in a different way. It’s almost an ode to trap beats and reveals to us a darker element to SOPHIE’s sonic palette. The interaction between the looming pads and the harsh hits is a juxtaposition that almost makes it seem as if the song itself is angry at you. It may be a slight step-down from the sugary pop found in the beginning of the album, but really highlights the Long’s production power.“Vyzee” was already a huge fan favourite, having been performed often at SOPHIE’s live shows, and most fans have been eagerly waiting to hear it in studio form. It’s literally the epitome of SOPHIE’s pop production. If I was to describe SOPHIE in one song, it would most likely be “Vyzee”; the dance beat, gliding synth and pitched vocals are part of Long’s signature sound. The lyrics are bizarre yet fit perfectly to the hyperactivity of the song: “Make it pop, red and white. Tomato soup can”.“L.O.V.E.” signals another switch to the dark side, one which initially polarised fans, and it’s clear to see why. It’s a high pitched scream amongst an otherwise pop world. The almost excruciating sound of a dentist’s drill is contrasted against the repetitive digital vocals and is a strange and almost uncomfortable experience. Mid-way through the song, however, SOPHIE treats us to a slight musical interlude of a cute melody - it really cuts the song and makes it a real love-it-or-hate-it situationProduct’s closing track “Just Like We Never Said Goodbye” is probably the most minimalistic song on the album, but despite this, it’s definitely the most emotional and awe-inspiring. The vocals are perhaps the most discernable of all eight tracks, and there’s a clear story throughout. The constant build with no drop is a fantastic effect and adds so much emotional tension to the song - it feels like you’re about to burst, but it never happens.Product is a collection of some of SOPHIE’s best work. It takes you from sugary burps and fizzles to the emotionally charged and ominously dark. If you’re looking for an album that might challenge you, this could be it. Product is an excellent showcase of the chaotic and detailed production that SOPHIE has been working on, and it truly deserves acclaim.★★★★★★★★★☆ -- source link

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