Starting off as a modern hyperpop dance/rock banger, ‘Brainwave’ showcases I Passed Away’s versatility, moving through 80’s goth, 90’s emo, and electro alt-pop disco crossover at the swelling instrumental middle eight breakdown.
There are elements of early 90’s alternative rock around the vocal production, coming across at times like a slightly more mellow Layne Stayley, but overall I Passed Away has a unique and instantly recognisable vocal sound. ‘Brainwave’ is a well-crafted piece, marrying solid, gripping melodies with catchy keyboard hooks, a driving bassline, and clean, crisp production. There are clearly influences of hip hop and ambient artists in ‘Brainwave’ too, along with the more obvious indie and emo tropes, but primarily I Passed Away has crafted a novel, individual, and mature piece of modern dance/pop crossover that bodes well for future releases.
Check out I Passed Away on Soundcloud and Instagram.
Review by Alex Holmes