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***1ST GEN ULTRAMIX REVIEW***
LISTEN TO THE TAPE WITH THE BLOG
APH & MOKU PRESENT: CASTLEDREAMS
FOLLOW APH & MOKU ON INSTAGRAM
If there's one artist I was "pretty cool with but barely got the chance to speak to," it would be Aphelion. This is surprising because our come-up was pretty much at the same time and at one point, we worked relatively close, mostly through friend association. I love Aphelion, and they're a brother under Providence. That being said, I barely get the chance to listen to Aphelion; they're so damn consistent with dropping music that it's sometimes hard to keep up. Plus, SoundCloud's such a cluttered user interface, making it tough to stay updated with such a fast-moving artist. Now, they've finally dropped a mixtape with a talented producer named MOKUMADE. Mokumade isn't from Providence; his Soundcloud says Boston. The music he showcases on his SoundCloud is melodic but on the slower side. It's gonna be interesting to hear how Aphelion and Moku blend their sounds to create this project. These are both artists I seriously need to listen to more, but will Aphelion's first project make me crave more?
This review will follow the same structure as my previous ones. I'll delve into each track individually, then wrap it all up in the conclusion with my final thoughts and opinions. Like I mentioned, I haven't really been keeping up with Aphelion lately, so I'm excited to uncover what I've been missing.
CASTLEDREAMS is Aphelion's first major mixtape release. I’d love it if you show some support and listen while you read along.
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APH & MOKU PRESENT: CASTLEDREAMS
NIGHTSHOW
When I listen to Aphelion, I'm usually listening to them performing live. So I'm not crazily used to delving into the actual record. To my knowledge, the music is recorded and mixed by Aphelion alone. I'm mentioning that because I'm surprised at how well it sounds. I remember listening to Aphelion's earlier work; I can't lie, the mixing wasn't great. But not only is the mix good now, but their flow has improved so gracefully. It exudes calmness on the beat and floats effortlessly. This track concludes with "I’m trying to get first," and you can tell.
MAGIC! / OLD SOUL
The way Moku creates straightforward instrumentals with intriguing elements is genuinely enjoyable. Honestly, I don't fully grasp it. It barely even incorporates drums, yet it maintains a steady beat that feels like it shouldn't work, but it does. I truly admire their production skills showcased here. This song holds up quite well too; the hook is super catchy and adds a fun sing-along vibe. While Aphelion's verses were decent, the flow got a bit repetitive (in comparison to the more captivating flows in the project), but it doesn't linger for too long. Overall, it serves as a smooth transition track. Definitely wouldn't skip it.
ALL BETTER NOW(?)
Mokumade really outdid themselves here, and I believe they carried the song. While Aphelion was doing their thing, it seemed more like they were gliding along with the beat, allowing the instrumental to do the talking. Though I'm not the hugest fan of drum and bass, it serves well as a seamless transition and a backdrop to the lively synths. I found the melody on this track quite enjoyable, and I'd be interested in hearing the instrumental version on its own.
CASTLEVIEWINTERLUDE
Really nice beat. Apheleon did their thing on this one and it transitions nicely into the next track. Not really much else to say since nothing really jumps out. Just a good track.
AMUSEMENTPARK
AHHHHHHHHH, MOKU IS FUCKING PLAYING WIT IT. I wish Aphelion had their lyrics written down somewhere I can read, 'cause they sounded like they were talking their shit on this track, but I can't catch everything. I wanna float with them, but they don’t let me. What the fuck? The instrumental is mental.
EARTH, FIRE & ICE
How many flows does Aphelion have? I don't even know at this point, 'cause it feels like they just switch it up whenever they feel like it, and it's crazy how consistent they are with it throughout the song. Plus, this is the only track on the tape featuring ixybxy.99. They really did their thing and took over the track for the rest of the song. I'm planning to do a deep dive (pause) after finishing this, 'cause I really like what I heard from them
.HOWTFFREESTYLE
I think this is where I think we split paths, 'cause I'm not the biggest fan of the high-pitch effect on the track, but I definitely see its value. The execution is really good, and the pitch isn't as annoying as how others use it. The flow and hook were really catchy, and I'm gonna be rooting for a normal speed version to be released (come on, bro, I know you're reading this, let me hear it at least). Overall, a really good track.
RED ALERT
This song gives me visions of experiencing it live, with flashing lights and the floors shaking from the speakers. I can picture Aphelion walking back and forth, letting the song rock in the background, all while I'm catching the subtle synths in the instrumentals. The strings carry the hook throughout the song, giving Aphelion the space to fully own the track. Probably my favorite track on the tape. This feels like Pokémon evolution, the way the music just keeps getting better with each track.
STOPTHAT
A solid overall song, but I think it should've come before "Red Alert," lmao. I get it, though. It's a nice way to conclude the tape and tie it off with a bow. 'Cause this right here is quite a gift. A genuinely good song, but following something so strong like that, it's hard to compete.
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In a city that's starting to feel stagnant, Aphelion stands out not only due to their unique approach, but also their consistency. As of now, a week past the album release, they've already dropped a new single, and I'm expecting more to come. I look at my own track record and realize I haven't released music since 2018, I'm glad there are folks like Aphelion still making sure Providence speakers stay loud and keeping crowds jumping. This tape is genuinely good for a quick bump in your car, to add to your playlist, and maybe even to listen with your friends if they're cool like that, lmao.
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***1ST GEN ULTRAMIX REVIEW***
LISTEN TO THE TAPE WITH THE BLOG
APH & MOKU PRESENT: CASTLEDREAMS
FOLLOW APH & MOKU ON INSTAGRAM
thank you for reading!
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