Oscar Key Sung has never been particularly worried about breaking from the norm in the electronic music space, and Altruism demonstrates a tentative foray into a more offbeat sound within the genre.
The EP’s opener, Skip, gently eases the listener into his peculiar world of electro, guiding them with strong beats and mesmerising repetition of the word ‘skip’. He even experiments with sampling ringtones – so no, that’s not your phone going off. The aptly named Premonition is perhaps the most interesting track on the EP – experimenting with continuous loops and whispers hidden behind captivating lead vocals. It’s breathy and intriguing, and it’s here that we can see Key Sung really start to push the boundaries of his sound.
However, some of the tracks on this EP don’t make for particularly easy listening, as Inside Job and Light move in stranger directions. Twisting and turning with little regard for an overarching melody, things get more edgy and steer away from the norm.
Altruism is an interesting and clever release, but whether it can shine within the near-saturated electronic music scene is uncertain. Key Sung begins to explore a new sound, but doesn’t completely throw himself in, which is a mighty shame.
BY ERIN ROONEY
