Review Summary: Crystal clear
Fox Stevenson’s eccentric amalgamation of DnB and vocal pop has won him the devotion of many a dedicated following. While earlier work was certainly leaning towards novicity, due primarily to a loose grip on songwriting, Stevenson’s keen energy and charisma was key to rising above mediocrity. And with the release of
All This Time, Fox Steven had finally struck gold on perfecting the craft which established his name. Spanning a concise run of four tracks, Fox Stevenson pushes a fun and lively performance, splitting hairs on the entailments of the genres he builds upon for a truly exciting sit through.
All This Time’s title track sets the tone for the record through the instantaneous strike of a single chord. Warmth. The rolling vocal chops and Stevenson’s modulated vocals build tension. With the lovely accompaniment of lightly placed, serene synths. The “early morning” feel of the track grabs interest quickly, preparing the listener ss the song reaches it’s so called “chorus”. These elements explode with a grandiose flurry of heavily textured bass work that skitters along quickly; carried on top a foundation of speedy breakbeats and a minor touch of bit synths for fattening. It all plays together beautifully, pulsing with energy and bursting the warmth of sunlight, resulting in an absolutely joyful and fun opener.
Stevenson’s winning combination of these styles continue to shine with “Out There” and “Simple Life”, which swing towards an electro-pop foundation. Emphasis on loud, electronic based choruses are still priority; however, the pop stylized verses lend themselves to a more unique, playful blend of the usual DnB mix. Heart-pounding synthwork and minor, lowkey grooves buried beneath the foundation help Stevenson place his sound design in a perfect position for catchiness and atmosphere. As for the EP’s concluding track, “Crystal”, Stevenson mixes things up with a subdued, progressive house sound that blends elements of vibrant tropical house beats with a very flashy and satisfying finale of heart-pounding, synth heavy melodies that tie each of the track’s building elements together for a perfect conclusion.
The gold standard of
All This Time is the careful ear for production and songwriting. What easily could’ve been brushed aside as a sub-standard dance record with features, transforms into a unique spin on electronic-based pop music instead. While the modulation effects Stevenson employs to blend himself in as a part of the music may be a turnoff for some, what Stevenson has presented is outstanding. Whether dance centric pop music is your cup of tea or not, Fox Stevenson is an artist who does more than enough to pen a convincing argument that he is something else, making
All This Time an EP you don’t want to miss.
