Erika de Casier
Still


3.5
great

Review

by NBA USER (86 Reviews)
February 26th, 2024 | 14 replies


Release Date: 02/21/2024 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Slick but sedentary...

One may be excused in thinking the cover art of Still, what with her black leather Matrix-inspired drip and ensconcing herself in a room of mirrors, would signal some sort of intimate, explorative fare into the soul of the real Erika. That her last two albums of 90’s influenced RnB tunes so sugary and saccharine you could drizzle them on pancakes were merely a product of a new artist building her audience to a point where she could start making the music she really wants. Alas no, that’s not at all what’s happening with Still, an effort that will sound extremely familiar to those acquainted with Erika de Casier’s oeuvre. Described as a loose concept album about the stages of a failed relationship from the hot-and-heavy beginnings (Puppy Love?) to its toxic and messy end, Still retains much of the understated depth Erika de Casier has made herself known for. The album’s twilight-tinged RnB stylings marry up nicely with a plethora of electronic fixings the artist has become known for but will it continue to work for the 3rd time in 5 years?

To answer that question, it actually still kind of does, although admittedly not for anything Still is doing specifically and more what the artist has been doing specifically. Erika de Casier’s voice is still as coy and subdued as ever but mixed with the rainy noir vibes the music exudes take on a fresh new feeling that previous albums lacked. This feeling does wonders within the context of the album’s concept as well. Still utilizes a noticeable tone shift from the beginning to the end of the album to convey the course of this doomed relationship, with the front half of the album having particularly bright and sunny instrumentals, especially with the one-two punches of “Home Alone” and “Lucky.” This mood reaches an apex with “ooh”, an excessively sweet depiction of the intensely joyful feelings coming with this relationship accompanied by an insanely catchy melodic hook that captures the intent of the song wonderfully. But by the time the aptly titled “Anxious” rolls around, the tone shifts. What was once a relationship full of exciting twists and turns has stagnated and eventually soured and the music does a good job conveying the switch. While mostly keeping with the tempo of the Still’s first half, the album utilizes space and lower registered synths to turn the smoky beats somber, with Erika’s voice changing (very) subtly to match. It’s a simple effect, but one Still actualizes very well when it’s all said and done.

The issues with Still, much like its successes, aren’t a product of the album itself moreso than the artist herself. Much like previous albums, there’s a glaring lack of dynamism that chills Erika’s ability to connect in a deep level with her listeners. While musically very lovely, the vocals have almost no discernable range to them, lending to a pervading feeling that the story of this relationship is being read from a book rather than something Erika went through. The instrumentals progress similarly, with few tempo shifts and even fewer highlights or pieces to sink your teeth into, perhaps unfortunately relegating the release to slick study music. Despite these drawbacks, Still is still a pleasure to listen to and a beautifully produced piece of work. And while this formula has not changed in any meaningful way. Fans will be glad to hear that despite the successes, Erika is Erika. Still.



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user ratings (28)
3.4
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
Calc
February 26th 2024


17466 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

at this rate I'll get to 100 in another decade and some change woot



https://erikadecasier.bandcamp.com/album/still

rabidfish
February 26th 2024


8783 Comments


I still prefer sensational but this was pretty interesting. Liked the jazzy bits in the last couple of tracks. This one is a grower I think, tho there were some tracks I didn't like too much.

Calc
February 26th 2024


17466 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

the concept actually contributed to my enjoyment on this one. and the song titles made it easy for my stupid brain to follow.

dedex
Staff Reviewer
February 26th 2024


12832 Comments

Album Rating: 3.3 | Sound Off

good one Calc. was starting to prepare something for this but inspiration never really came. as you say in your last para, this is Erika doing Erika things and it's as enjoyable as it is frustrating

rabidfish
February 26th 2024


8783 Comments


I love her energy and vibe. It's very soothing and energizing at the same time. The production is more of my problem here, some "interesting" choices at times, and the features mostly didn't work, except blood orange (vibemaxxxing as well)

bloc
February 28th 2024


70683 Comments


This is smooth as a baby's ass as expected

Calc
February 28th 2024


17466 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

great descriptor lol

brainmelter
Contributing Reviewer
February 28th 2024


8422 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

pos’d, I like when she goes all Under the Sea on The Princess

Trifolium
February 28th 2024


39999 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Erika!



Very nice review calc, I think we all kind of expected this from her.

Calc
February 28th 2024


17466 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

@brain another great descriptor!



@trif thank you bruv, agreed. I'm certainly ready for some evolution or substantial change next time though.

Cygnatti
February 28th 2024


36135 Comments


Lucky might be the cutest song I’ve heard all year

JesperL
Staff Reviewer
February 29th 2024


5674 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

nice yes!! this is nice but i wish it were better

Pangea
February 29th 2024


10746 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

very nice album

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
March 1st 2024


32185 Comments


This is nice, I like it.



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