Ohlayindigo - Phases

Ohlayindigo
Phases EP
2016
Spotify

The Norway and UK born, San Francisco based synth pop duo Ohlayindigo are back with their new EP Phases, and it is a shimmering summer dream. While the highlight of many people's year may be coming to a close we still can hang on to a bit of that summer glow with this new album. If you are looking for something heavy, or poignant then this album really is not for you. This record is about a pop sensibility and dancey tunes to let guide your good times. However Ohlayindigo have a much more EDM-ish approach to their music. You will hear influences like Galantis throughout, especially on a track like "AWOL" where the beat is not simply a build to a drop but more an extended mix. The Techo and House are front and center, however the lyrics are all still right there for you to sing along to. The song also has a bounce that is so god damn infectious. It's hard to separate this music from a vibe it seeks to create, because it seems so essential for this kind of sound to have a real place and time. That can mean that it will not stand the test of time, but it also means that it is so of the moment that you cannot help but get into it.

"IOLITE" is a very diverse track, but suffers from being way to high for Hanna Poth to hit the notes comfortable. Instead we hear her straining quite noticeably and it makes the song uncomfortable and off putting. It is something that a lot of the album suffers from and that is a lack of depth. Everything for Ohlayindigo seems to be right on the surface never inviting you in to really dig deep. Hanna's voice also has a very distinct tone that works really well sometimes and at other times feels very forced. You want the record to feel organic, because their sound kind of alludes to it, but they never get there. You find yourself wanting Ohlayindigo to let their guard down, but they never do. Synth Pop at the moment is a very crowded space and there simply is not enough on Phases to really set it apart or move it to the front of the pack. There is some good stuff here, but it just is not coming fully together just yet.

6.2 out of 10