Corlyx - One Of Us

Of all the new names that have emerged recently, I think it's very fucking important that you keep your eyes on the Milan-based dark pop and electro act Corlyx. They have been steadily gaining momentum as they have busted their asses teasing their debut EP with video blogs on YouTube, as well as lyric videos and music videos. In under a week on the thirteenth of this month, their debut EP One Of Us will be released upon the masses and I can guarantee the EP will shock and awe audiences.This is an EP that can cause an earthquake. Some might look at it with disgust, but I think those that do so will only commit that act as they are jealous of the technique and talent Corlyx brings to electro and pop music. 

Corlyx was founded in early 2015 by singer/songwriter Caitlin Stokes and fellow singer/songwriter Brandon Ashley, who also doubles as a DJ. In April of 2015 Corlyx released their first single/lyric video 'Nothing Can Take Me From You'. In comparison to what they have achieved now, the song seems premature and demo-like. Still, even in their earliest stages, Corlyx showed a massive amount of potential for one main reason: Their style is both unique and non-trendy. From there on out they took the time to upload video blogs of their recording sessions, behind the scenes shots from music videos, as well as other fun stuff such as clubbing and driving around. If anything, I think fans will appreciate Corlyx's humble roots and soft hearted humor; while most bands maintain an almost robotic disconnection from their fans, Corlyx welcomes them into their lives. 

However, all the fun and games dropped when Corlyx unleashed their debut music video 'Starlet'. The song showed the maturing process Corlyx went through since they released 'Nothing Can Take Me From You'. Not only did they develop their beats into an electro inspired mix of goth, industrial, hip hop, and pop, but it also seems as if proper mastering and excellent production values were upheld in their fullest with the single. It was this video that also ushered in the news that One Of Us would be unleashing February 13th. 


This brings us to the now, with me having played the four track debut over and over. If this album were on cassette, I think the fucking tape would have burned out by now. One Of Us is a powerful piece of music ushered in by the troubled past of both band members, and you can easily hear both the hurt and psychologically stress relieving tension that Stokes and Ashley have both brought forth on the album. 

'Nobody's Happy' kicks off the album and is perfect for the dance floor. Light synthpop melodies mix up with club sounds as Caitlin's gorgeous vocals beautifully guide the song in whichever direction she so chooses to push it. Again, when I mentioned earlier that the production on this album is good, I really fucking mean it. I hardly ever get such clean cut and sparkling albums such as this to review, and I can't find a single dent as far as quality goes. Kudos to them for having the EP mastered properly. 

'Starlet' hits in next, and if my praise wasn't enough from the previous mention of it, I will also give commendations to the lyrics in the song. They are biting and stinging; Stokes' vocals range from a mocking voice straight into heavy hitting reality checks that are as glamorous as the the rocking rhythm of the song. 

These dark pop masters continue to dominate with 'I Feel Nothing'. Substituting their harder beats for a track much more smooth, 'I Feel Nothing' is emotional, impactful, and provides more than just  an angry sentiment. This track shows a polar opposite side to Corlyx than the previous two tracks displayed and it was more than welcomed. 

Wobbling synths come forth in 'Narcissistic Girls', which not only targets one group or another that pissed these two off at one point, but shows their talents as wordsmiths. The beat is rather minimalistic for the most part, and Stokes is upfront and personal in this song. Her voice carries us through it with more smart but acid singing, and I just couldn't get enough of it all. 

In any case, Dark Pop has been on the rise for quite some time now and whether or not the goth kids are ready to embrace it does not matter to me. These songs may tread familiar ground but they do it in such a mature manner that doesn't make me want to rip my head off either. These are songs built by experiences and repressed memories, not by some chick who dumped you a year ago that you were only with for a half year at the most and now spend every waking moment crying over. No, this is beauty at its finest. 

Corlyx has dropped a massive EP with One Of Us, and I think it would be rather smart to embrace it this new brand of music emerges from the dark depths of the sea. It combines aesthetics found from industrial and goth scenes but mixes it with hip hop and electro beats and a wise, cracking whip that's ready - and eager - to shove a life lesson down your throat. 
Feb 08 2016