Features Doldrums

How come abrasiveness works for some acts while for others it leaves a sour taste in the listener’s mouth? It seems to depend both on the quality of the actual songs and the way in which said abrasiveness is compounded; whether it’s accompanied by similar extremes or a softer touch.

Airick Woodhead is 21 year-old from Canada and by the looks of things, nothing really gets the way of his breakneck-speed trajectory. A debut EP, ‘Empire Sound’, is characterised by what will soon become a signatory, backbone-splitting howl of his; a burst of energy; a solitary cry of “aaaaaah”; a sound so abrasive that you’re either left besotted or turned off within five seconds of hitting play.

But here is the art in abrasiveness: What follows is a rich collection of samples, seemingly collected from different corners of planet Earth, blending both a sweet, melodic warmth and a bitter aftertaste. At first you notice Doldrums because he’s so obviously different to everything else you’ve ever heard. Thereafter, following some teething pains, you fall in love with the depth and the construction that goes into songs such as ‘I’m Homesick Sittin’ Up Here In My Satellite’. With that track, you’re plunged headfirst into a harsh colliding of marching bands, what sounds like a chase scene from a Cowboys and Indians film, alongside Woodhead’s ghostly, almost-chidlike backing vocals. Not much comes as thrilling as those two and a half minutes.

Doldrums - I’m Homesick Sittin’ Up Here In My Satellite by NO PAIN IN POP

Doldrums’ debut EP ‘Empire Sound’ will be released on 31st October via No Pain In Pop.