Review Summary: Reconstructing brostep from its foundational elements.
Brostep has really changed since the Skrillex days. It’s no surprise that a lot of people have mixed feelings about the genre a decade later. That over-the-top sound definitely made waves, for better or worse. Getting brostep back into the good graces of many will be a tough sell, but then Illenium comes along with "Fallen Embers" and flips the script entirely. Instead of those crazy drops that sound like Optimus Prime in a Michael Bay movie, Illenium opts for a more subtle, thoughtful, and cinematic approach that completely reshapes the genre.
One of the standout features of "Fallen Embers" is its chill and beautiful verses. Take "Lay It Down," for example, where Krewella delivers stunning vocals, especially her falsetto that gives you goosebumps, paired with lovely guitar harmonics in the background. Illenium is known for those acoustic guitar plucks in the verses, which add a natural and grounded feel, often mixed with strings that create a cinematic and captivating sound. There’s also a nice lofi hip hop rhythm in the verses, making it super easy to vibe with. It’s a big step for brostep to be so laid-back and chill, but Illenium nails it throughout the album. Another highlight is Lights on "Hearts on Fire." The lyrics are all about empowerment, perfect for anyone who’s been through a tough breakup and is finding their strength again.
The brostep drops are allowed ample time to develop, resulting in euphoric moments throughout the tracks. A standout piece is "Fragments," which features exquisite chord progressions and a majestic, robust atmosphere. The drop is pleasantly laid-back, avoiding an excessive surge of synthesizers. Rather, it maintains a soothing rhythm while gradually increasing in intensity. Listening to the tracks gives off a laid-back feel, which is a bit unusual for electronic dance music. Typically, you'd expect something more upbeat and danceable, but "Fallen Embers" leans towards a mellow groove that’s super enjoyable. Each song follows a classic pop structure, ensuring a sense of coherence throughout. While some might find this repetitive as the album progresses, it actually works in its favor. A lot of electronic music can get lost in complexity, but these tracks stay focused.
However, there are a few missteps in "Fallen Embers," especially with the male vocal features. For instance, "Losing Patience" featuring nothing.nowhere can feel a bit off. The vocal style echoes a lot of contemporary male pop, giving off "fucboi" braggadocious energy. Even if the lyrics aim to express good intentions, it still feels a bit off. On the flip side, the female vocals shine throughout the album, fitting seamlessly with the music. The sound is gentle and aligns perfectly with the typical female vocal style. While brostep might seem beyond saving for some, Illenium makes a solid effort to transform the genre into something much more enjoyable.