While it does not reach the sun, Cryalot's debut EP has enough to make its wings fly high enough.
Just like the band that she belonged in, Sarah Perry’s addition and major contribution to Kero Kero Bonito’s world has always been fascinating. Joined due to a message forum that has now led to her being a major part of the band, bringing her vocals to accentuate the whimsy and cuteness of their past releases like ‘Intro Bonito’ and ‘Bonito Generation’. But it’s afterward that has soon allowed her to showcase other sides of herself, whether that be the wistful melancholy shown in ‘TOTEP’ and ‘Time ‘n’ Place’ or the fantastical storyteller of the ‘Civilisation’ EPs. But that’s not the only mirror that she’s showing to the world.
A few years in the making, Sarah Perry dons her ‘Cryalot’ moniker to bring forth ‘Icarus’. Built upon her resonance with the cautionary tale of Icarus and her own personal depressed musings she had in her past, she brings along Jennifer Walton to assist, bringing her dark and noisy production to aid with Cryalot’s own personal concepts. This comes with certain tracks pulsing through. ‘Hell Is Here’ is a lead single for a good reason, a hellish demise painted through Cryalot’s soft and deadpan vocals amidst crumbling production, soon coalescing to Cryalot relying on her screams as the production becomes more hellish. ‘Touch the Sun’ touches upon the Icarus myth accompanied by searing drums and synths along with Cryalot’s prettier vocals. The closing track ‘See You Again’ is a lovely closer to the EP, closing the themes of the EP satisfyingly with a positive outlook towards Icarus’ death as the production builds up more synth swells and crushing noise along with Cryalot’s alternating English sung vocals and Japanese spoken word helping out the pacing feel justified.
It is quite a shame that the melodies on the rest of the EP don’t elevate the world-building and production work. As much as ‘Hurt Me’ brings up a sense of courage in its themes and energetic production, the melodies temper it down as it goes a lot more repetitive. The same goes with ‘Labyrinth’, a track that yearns for respite with soaring soundscapes that get held back with an underwhelming chorus verse.
It’s not an EP that flies on higher heights, but Icarus is a helping of what Cryalot can show. It’s not just a showcasing of Cryalot being able to put her shoes into a darker and downbeat territory but pushes her thematic focus to a newer dimension. Just like what she said in ‘See You Again’, there will be more of what she will show in the future, more stories that she will impart to everyone.
Favorite Tracks: Hell Is Here, Touch The Sun, See You Again
Least Favorite Track: Labyrinth