It’s easy to see why Pat Grossi decided to release an EP before unleashing his sophomore LP.
After the success of his 2011 debut album, You Are All I See, this latest effort sounds like a transitional EP. That is, Active Child is on a bridge between the sound that gained him attention and a sound that will come in the form of his next evolution.
‘She Cut Me’ ushers in a bold new sonic direction on Rapor. The instrumental, with looping vocals and up-tempo synths, is an impressive departure from the choral soundscapes, harp extravagance and church atmosphere of Grossi’s debut.
However perhaps the Mikky Ekko collaboration in ‘Subtle’ and the ’80s pop beats of ‘Feeling Is Gone’ are greater indicators of where Active Child is heading.
‘Subtle’ breaks away from an overriding synth fest for a midsection where Ekko brings R’n’B and funk to the party.
‘Feeling Is Gone’ is slightly less supercharged than its predecessor yet no less infectious. Its ’80s influences are heard elsewhere on ‘Calling In The Name Of Love’.
Despite Grossi’s upbeat turn the singer’s angelic vocals ensure that the beauty of his debut transcends this release as well. The harp, which defined You Are All I See, is littered throughout yet it is no longer an integral facet to the Active Child sound.
Love Electronic?
Get the latest Electronic news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
‘Calling In The Name Of Love’ also demonstrates that his angst-ridden lyrics haven’t been displaced.
“She was someone that you wanted, someone that you’ll never know,” sings Grossi over brooding synths.
The key transitional aspect of this EP comes in the form of ‘Silhouette’ and ‘Evening Ceremony’.
The former is also emblematic of the EP’s treatment of collaborations. Goulding and Ekko supplement Grossi rather than override his delicate vocals.
Rapor concerns itself less with elegance and more with synthetic force and like the barometer for all good EPs it has the ability to give you a taste, but leave you wanting for more.
Where this leads Pat Grossi on his next release is a question that warrants a highly anticipated answer.
