XENNON - The Light That Came For The People
Written by Vero Faye Kitsuné
One of the most interesting aspects of the Synthwave genre is that a lot of the current artist-producers originally came from various musical backgrounds such as metal and progressive rock. Many got swept in the tantalizing neon-grid, palm tree-lined sunset nostalgia wave. However, as wave genres often ebb and flow, in the recent years we saw a few notable artists who started their musical explorations in synthwave enter their own evolutions, some changing directions more dramatically than others in search of what is next and also - more importantly - their own individuality. Many would argue that synthwave may or may not be dead, yet regardless, now is probably the most interesting moment in the synth scene as more and more artists reshape their musical palette, shift gears and redefine their own musicality. Such artist is Xennon.
Xennon first emerged in the scene with his concept synthwave LPs, “Miami Cop”, “Dark Of A Distant World”, and “Utopia”, and was backed by his playlist “Synthwave Sounds” that went viral at the peak of Netflix’s Stranger Things hype. However, today, we see Xennon diving into his love for classic progressive rock for clues as to where to go next with his synth soundscapes. The result is a brand new record slated for release later this year, spearheaded by his new single, “The Light That Came For The People”.
“The Light That Came For The People” starts off with a stark, dual harmony acapella before dropping into giant, colorful synth leads and rhythm section that somehow bring the prog rock band Rush and sounds of 80s Television Sitcoms to mind. The track segues between funky odd meters, expertly performed guitar arpeggios, surges of bright, colorful synths, and Xennon’s indelibly vibrant vocals poignantly emoting hope — all running in polyrhythms with each section countering and meeting at certain points. Lush, yet juxtaposed with sharp drops and dramatic resolves, the composition and arrangments are ambitious yet feel effortless and cohesive at the same time, with infectiously colorful, rainbow hues in the atmosphere. The song is also marked by a message of hope and beauty - something greatly needed in the current times of war and unrest.
With the first single off his upcoming record, Xennon somehow manages to keep one foot in nostalgia and also explore a new type of musical bravado with the other. “The Light That Came For The People” is an exemplary light we needed to experience.
For more Xennon, visit his Bandcamp.
