Christian Leave Welcomes Change in 'Superstar'
Pop icon in the making Christian Leave, nee Christian Akridge, lampoons fame while narrating the nuances of power imbalances and "finding your people" on his new EP Superstar. Rife with honest lyricism and delicate vocal lines accompanied by gentle instrumentation, Leave continues his upward trajectory and blossoming under his sonic identity, leaving listeners wanting more of his stripped-back, ethereal bedroom pop melodies.
Superstar opens with the guitar-led warmth of the title track, "Superstar." Leave describes what it's like to stand next to someone who's a superstar and how he pales in comparison. "I'll never be the one / I'll never be the thing they're drawn to / Always just a face /Always just an etch people know through you," before declaring, "It's fine / I really don't mind / It saves me time," he sings. The following track, "Why Not?" picks up the pace with soaring vocals and sparkling guitar riffs, exploring feelings of sinking into complacency, identifying it, and not being motivated to change it, even if it's destructive to your well-being.
The record briefly switches gears to more distorted, hazy instrumentation on the moody "Coming In." With lyrics describing getting ready for battle, the song builds to a cacophonous wall of sound that begs you to turn up the volume and lose yourself. The record then switches back to the soft lulling vibe of "Ain't No Reason." The penultimate song has a more bluesy, soulful energy, offering listeners a chance to melt in its swinging sonics.
The record closes with the downtempo, orchestral-driven bedroom pop cut "Pull." With choral touches fading into acoustic nuances, the track acts as an empathetic ode to the development and change that occurs inside or outside of a relationship. Leave explained to Wonderland, "As hectic as it may be to feel and experience on the receiving end, we're all constantly facing transition. I had to learn to take a step back and allow myself to grow in tandem rather than fight against things outside of my own control. This is me reconciling with my own changes."
Overall, Supertar comprises of five comforting tracks rooted in airy yet powerful artistry. In celebration of his new EP, Leave will play a sold-out release show in Los Angeles on November 30, and due to demand, the show was moved to Teragram Ballroom.
Listen to Superstar below:
