SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LA PRIEST – LA FUSION

LA PRIEST
LA FUSION
DOMINO RECORDS

Spring is a time of growth, new beginnings, and natural beauty. Between the harsh rainfall and gentle blossoms, it is a time when memories are etched. UK-based LA Priest’s latest EP, La Fusion, perfectly embodies the nature of this season. The 4-track project provides a steady source of nostalgia and ushers listeners to reflect on their own experiences while acknowledging their journey to get where they are now.

The unique blend of straightforward drum machine patterns and cool guitar riffs define the EP’s sound, and nowhere is that more evident than the opening song, “Apple”. The track opens with a simple but infectious rhythm reminiscent of an EDM song. However, instead of a crude bass drop or heavy synths, Sam Eastgate, aka LA Priest, serenades listeners with poppy guitar chords and lyrics. Though the bass guitar makes an impression on most of the song, Eastgate really flaunts his expertise to close the track, giving it the depth present in most great music.

The second song off the EP, “City Warm Heart”, is by far the happiest track on the record. Its wholesome atmosphere is contrasted by Eastgate asking himself questions about returning to the city. In an Instagram post announcing the song’s release, Eastgate captions, “I wrote this song in the Costa Rican jungle as I pictured myself returning to tour the cities of the world again. It’s sort of a mantra to face the outside world from somewhere like that.” The song’s coming-of-age vibe is essential on any good summer playlist.

“Too Cool” is a track that shifts gears, introducing a fusion of country and rock ‘n’ roll elements into LA Priest’s signature sound. This unique blend of genres is a testament to Eastgate’s musical versatility. His vocals take centre stage, piercing listeners’ hearts with emotional sincerity. Despite being the longest song on the EP, with a run time of 4-min and 51 seconds, it will leave listeners asking for more.

The EP concludes with a slower but equally as heartfelt song, “Love 2 Know”. It is the perfect song for a late-spring slow dance set against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. The final seconds of La Fusion revert to an isolated drum machine pattern playing over an eerie but rhythmic tone. This conclusion gives listeners a chance to absorb the experience they just had and revel in anticipation for LA Priest’s next body of work.

Overall, it is an exciting release for fans of the UK-based maestro.

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