On Sept. 4, Troye Sivan released his second endeavor into the music world. The 20-year-old Australian indie pop artist has topped iTunes charts in over 40 countries with his EP “WILD.”
At first listen, Sivan’s tracks are driven by a noticeably unique, mellow beat. The title song, WILD, features a solid bass line and a blend of dreamy, lovesick lyrics that give it potential to be a single chart topper.
His other songs, however, have less of a club-banger vibe and more of a chill, background music kind of feel. But don’t get me wrong: this does not mean his lyrical content is at all lacking. In his song DKLA, a darker slow-jam featuring a guest rap verse by the Australian artist Tkay Maidza, Sivan croons poems on top of the sluggish electric beats, singing, “Rags to riches but I’m addicted to being broke/You take my breath away, you know I’m bound to choke.”
Sivan’s melodies aren’t over the top, but rather provide a smooth listening that leaves a sense of sadness in the silence. You can still bob your head to the beat. Just because Sivan knows how to make an infectious melody, however, doesn’t mean he compromises poignancy, an uncommon feat in today’s world of popular music.
I’m not saying his EP was perfect. His songs can be a little repetitive at times, and though he does have a new sound, his melancholy pop motif is becoming more utilized by modern artists. Despite this, I think “WILD” has effectively established Sivan as a strong new presence in the music industry. It is worth a listen.
