Canadian artist Young Negrensé has shared a new EP called Aphelion. Of Filipino-Canadian descent, he is a songwriter, producer, classical guitarist, visual artist, and co-founder of YUZZYNET. After gaining buzz from a series of focused, self-produced releases, he is now releasing his latest offering Aphelion, executively produced by Tristan Renaud, which boasts of electrifying sonics that draw from a scope of genres including hip-hop, pop, R&B, and more.
Aphelion is a concept album, a sci-fi project that conjures otherworldly imagery through cinematic, synth-laden soundscapes that blend genres in an engaging manner. The project begins with “Euphoria”, introducing the project’s psychedelic sound with driving synth bass and infectious percussion that ties together the rhythm section. Here, Negrensé’s verses contain memorable vocal melodies that blur the line between hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Next, “Highway to the Sun” switches up the pace with an expansive, silvery beat that engagingly harkens back to 80’s synth pop, but adds modern flavor. “In the Dark” feels nocturnal and gritty, bringing in a darker sound through its usage of raw synths and pounding percussion. Whereas, “Other Side of the Light” showcases Negrensé’s diversity as a songwriter with an atmospheric soundscape that draws influence from ambient and electronica. Here, he delivers a series of graceful melodies and especially delivers on a chorus that could best be described as “ear candy”. Closer “Circe.exe” finishes the album in a cohesive manner, providing a balmy and ethereal sound with shining synths and a surreal vocal performance from Negrensé.
The latest from Canadian artist Young Negrensé, Aphelion delivers an electrifying and eclectic sound that draws from hip-hop, pop, R&B, and more, and showcases his sharp skills and versatility as a songwriter and vocalist.
Aphelion follows a vivid and engaging space-age concept that fuels the undercurrent of the project: “his first vision of the angel came to him in a dream. It began with him in the far reaches of outer space, alone, gently sinking through the empty void. Only the sparkling light of distant stars engraved the darkness. There was nothing of salvation for light-years.
Suddenly, like the birth of a star, the angel materialized from the cosmos. The vivacity of a supernova radiated from her chromatic-shined skin. Lengthy bleached white hair flowed above her divine statuesque figure. Space and time caved in her presence. He fixated upon her gleaming eyes. She held a stare so intense it was entrancing. A sensation of warmth and euphoria rushed over his flesh and into his soul. She spoke a single word which rippled through the darkness. That word was her name. “Circe.”
Negrensé 9000 awoke from his dream bewitched. He took a deep breath, then wiped his brow, which was coated in a thick sizzling sweat.
This was more than his typical post-canister-fuelled-bender fever dream. It was a message from the divine, which even in an awakened state, burned into his psyche. If one thing was clear to him, it was that he must find this space angel, no matter the distance or danger involved.”
Listen to Aphelion now: