The set includes a new song that features HAIM.
French doom-beat producer Gesaffelstein's sophomore album Hyperion is here (March 8). It's a means to expand his sonic universe, with elements of R&B, pop, disco and goth all covered in the Frenchman's anxious, midnight shadows. There are some big features, from previously-released tunes with The Weeknd and Pharrell Williams to new ones with HAIM, The Hacker and Electric Youth, but it's the producer's sinister touch that gives the album it's true charater and keeps us interested throughout.
It starts very purposefully with a short, heavy, repetative synth note, then adds to his simple beat with layers of synthesizer sound. It's got a retro '60s quality to it and a definite cinematic attitude. This is the title track, and it's excitingly different tone, though, once it fades, we dive straight into the darkness of lead single "Reset." This is the Gesaffelstein fans expect; menacing and metalic with a gangster lean.
Next comes second single "Lost In The Fire" featuring The Weeknd, Gesaffelstein's take on soul-pop R&B. It's fat bassline and funky rhythm gave the producer his biggest radio hit to date, and it's followed by more experimental, instrumental bleakness. "Ever Now" builds and swirls like smoke billowing toward a blood-red sky. It gives way to the previously-released Pharrell Williams feature "Blast Off," which fits more into the vibe of the album's overall context than when it was released as a one-off.