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Photo: Miguel Casas

aldn's debut album, Strung Out on Symphony, is a masterful blend of raw, unfiltered energy and heartfelt lyricism. This fourteen-track collection is a rollercoaster of emotions, fusing indie rock grit, synthetic distortion, and melodic tenderness. It's a reflection of what it means to feel too much in a world that moves too fast, a coming-of-age story filtered through 808s, distorted guitars, and a digital haze. The album's unique ability to evoke a range of emotions, from euphoric highs to crushing lows, is a testament to its power.

The opening track, "crocodile eyes" is a standout collaboration between aldn and rising indie shoegaze star Wisp. There is a palpable tension as their whispery vocals voice disdain and anger towards insincere people. The blend of built-in Ableton drums, synth, and pitched-up toy effects delivers a unique indie dance backdrop on the chorus as the pair croon into the void, "'Cause I watched you cry with crocodile eyes, knowing the truth / I'm losing my mind / 'Cause I watched you cry with crocodile eyes, knowing the truth."

Other standout tracks on the album include the atmospheric "time," and "in another life," the brooding "push you away," and the powerful "icantbelieveiletyougetaway," all of which are on the more experimental side, boasting expansive synths and a balance of acoustic guitars, making them both the album's heart and soul. The latter of these tracks is a personal favorite, and was inspired by the passing of one of aldn's good friends, Kevin, who passed away suddenly from an overdose. The track is a raw and honest expression of guilt and grief, where aldn confesses that he wishes it were him instead and regrets letting someone he loved so much get away. 

The album's focus track, "detroit," is a complete jewel. Opening with acoustic guitar riffs and warbly synths floating in the background, aldn croons, "No, I can't be just friends / Your touch is more than warm / You say you're just outgoing / But I know this is more." He reflects on the nature of his relationship as the instrumentation and production pick the energy up a notch with the addition of wintery percussion and thrumming bass lines on the hook. He realizes that he may be sitting in the shadow of his shining lover, relegated to being "just another boy" in the eyes of everyone else, and perhaps even in his own lover's eyes.

It's a heartbreaking ending to an album with such euphoric highs and crushing lows, leaving listeners with the image of aldn struggling to determine if he's even special to his love, and ultimately deciding to leave and set off on his own.

Listen to Strung Out Symphony below: