Hi Pal,
Welcome to another review where I tell you how I feel about a specific album or EP release. We will check out Hymns & Beats by Civilized Creature in today's edition.
Anyone who has been here for a while knows how much I love Ryan Lane (also known as Civilized Creature) and his music. I’m always fascinated by how prolific he is and at the time of writing this review, he’s already dropped four singles from what I suspect is building up to a new project.
Electronic music as an umbrella term has a special place in my heart and I am always intrigued by the level of creativity and hard work that goes into many subgenres and fusion genres within it. Civilized Creature tends to play with elements of trip-hop, lo-fi and experimental electronica. So naturally, when he talked about this hymns project, I was interested to see what direction it would go.
It starts off with a groovy interpretation of “All Creatures Of Our God And King” with swirling synths, an old-school hip-hop beat, and colourful harmonies. It’s a fresh take on a timeless classic that does a good job of retaining the essence of the song. “Fairest Lord Jesus” features Jaimie Poon, and anyone who is familiar with her vocal jazz sensibilities can imagine how this song would go. It’s silky and upbeat with a piano solo from Poon that always stirs my heartstrings.
In “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, we have Loyal Love and Civilized Creature singing a hymn that is very dear to my heart. I love the way Ryan Lane harmonizes with Loyal Love intermittently, in conjunction with the playful synths that elevate the slow funky tune. “Arise My Soul Arise” starts off with simple guitar feels as Sydney Buckley begins to sing. It’s a song full of reverence for the Lord and His redemption of man on the Cross. This is the calmest song in this collection, and it is organic in its approach as the electronic elements take a backseat.
“Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” features Spencer Boliou and Brianna Grace. This is the most expressive song on the EP musically and is fitting because it is the closer track. Both artistes knock it out of the park with their vocals by blending well and providing delectable runs and harmonies. Here, Ryan Lane simply provides the foundation for them to flourish with his crisp production.
I deliberately chose not to quote any of the lyrics here for two reasons. If you already know these songs, then you don’t need them. However, if you don’t know one or more of the tunes, I’d really prefer you experience it first-hand. Usually on records like this, there is a tendency for the music and the beats to overshadow the lyrics. To his credit, Civilized Creature does not make that mistake.
As interesting as the general musicianship is on Hymns & Beats, the vocals are clearly front and center, and its production, mixing, and mastering reflects a deliberate attempt by the artiste to ensure that you listen to the words being spoken.
It’s a wonderful concept and I hope that this isn’t the last we hear of this type of project from Mr. Lane. That’s my way of saying I fully expect a Hymns & Beats 2 next year.
Genre(s): Electronica, Trip-Hop, Experimental
RATING
: 4/5
Listen Here:
Apple Music • Deezer • Other Links
Connect with Civilized Creature:
Instagram • Twitter • Facebook
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
Talk to me about your favourite songs on the EP. Also, let me know of any other albums or EPs you’d like me to review.
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