The genius behind Active Child is Los Angeles-based harpist/guitarist/keyboardist/former choirboy Patrick James Grossi, whose angelic tenor vocals glide and soar mesmerically. Intertwining synth-pop, post-dubstep, hip-hop, R&B, soul, gospel, classical and ambient music, Grossi creates heavily evocative soundscapes, moods and experiences – morphing his classical and modern influences into a trippy, progressive sonic realm.
In the title track of Active Child’s debut album, You Are All I See, Grossi’s stunning falsetto emerges from a hallucinatory spiral of rippling harp melodies, eerie electronic spells, organs and horns; his lyrics invoking the endearing naivety and staunch promises of early love. Hanging On is a breathless, heart-rending ballad of relational confusion and torment that unfurls into catharsis by way of its enveloping, transcendental allure. Despite drifting occasionally into sentimental indulgences and glossy synths, You Are All I See is a truly captivating record that pines for the haunting, bizarre and often divine avenues.
Best Track: Shield & Sword
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: James Blake JAMES BLAKE, The Crying Light ANTONY AND THE JOHNSONS.
In A Word: Hypnotising
