Salin Cheewapansri, the Thai-American artist better known by her moniker 'Salin', has been making waves in the music industry with her latest album 'Cosmic Island'. Released in 2022, the album takes the listener on a journey through Cheewapansri's unique soundscape that blends together elements of dream pop, soul, funk, r&b, electronic, and shoegaze. As a music critic, I've been eagerly waiting for this release and it's safe to say that 'Cosmic Island' exceeded all my expectations.
From the very first intro track, Cheewapansri's ethereal voice pulls you into her world of shimmering synths and jazzy flute. It's a perfect opening for the album, setting the tone for the rest of the journey. The song's opening lines, "The face of the earth is infected by obsession/new media", encapsulates the otherworldly, high-level view of the planet with an almost mystical feeling of the album.
The next track, 'In Tune with the Moon', showcases Cheewapansri's mastery of creating a hypnotic atmosphere with her music. The song's pulsing rhythm, combined with Cheewapansri's layered vocals, creates a soundscape that feels like being transported into a futuristic dream world. It's the soundtrack to a late-night drive on an empty highway or to help you unwind after a long day.
Cheewapansri's unique blend of electronic, funk, soul, and dream pop influences is further showcased in 'Reality', one of my personal favorites on the album. The song's grounding synth intro, combined with Cheewapansri's melancholic vocals, creates a sense of yearning that's impossible to ignore. The chorus, with its actualizing vocals and soaring horns, is the perfect example of the artist's ability to create a soundscape that's both anchoring and uplifting at the same time.
Another standout track on the album is 'Wild World', which features guest vocals from fellow artist Hawa B. The song's pulsing beat, combined with Hawa's powerful vocals, creates an immediate sense of urgency. The soothing keys mid-song, on the other hand, provide a sense of calm that balances out the track's shredding guitar solos and intensity. It showcases an example of the artist's ability to create music that's both dynamic and nuanced.
The final track on the album, 'Talk to Me (feat. Clerel)', is a beautiful closer for the journey that Cheewapansri takes the listener on with 'Cosmic Island'. The song's delicate keyboard intro, combined with Cerel's soft vocals, creates a sense of tranquility. The song's funky baselines and energy provide a perfect outro to the album's journey.
Overall, 'Cosmic Island' is a stunning work of art that showcases Salin Cheewapansri's unique blend of dream pop, soul, funk, electronic, and shoegaze influences. The album's ethereal atmosphere, combined with Cheewapansri's delicate vocals and expertly crafted production, creates a soundscape that's both captivating and enchanting. It's an album for those who love to get lost in music and let their imaginations run wild.
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