Xhoana X – The Villain EP 
Release Date: Out Now
Following a life that has taken
our heroin from Albania to the Bronx via Los Angeles, Xhoana X brings us the
epic release, ‘the Villain EP’. At seven tracks long this just gets under the wire
of the EP vs album debate that I frequently have with myself but I’m splitting
hairs here. The album opens with recent single ‘Deepest Pleasure’ which is a
deeply sexual song with playful vocals and a throbbing bassline pairing up to
toy with your senses. ‘Endless Crime’ has a more late-night sensual vibe with a
slow beat and breathy vocals which erupt into something more like a
power-ballad for the chorus. It’s a strong start.
Title track ‘the Villain’ is luxurious
in the extreme with its blend of Lana Del Rey and a Bond theme while ‘Paradise
Lost’ has a wistful sense to it that finds Xhoana X in the kind of mood to look
back on regrets and missed opportunities. I doubt that ‘the Great Escape’ has
anything to do with famous World War II film but there is a smart,
sophisticated alt-pop edge to this that wouldn’t be out of place on mainstream
radio if the DJ wanted to appear cooler than the playlist normally allows.
‘C A S T L E’ may be slow but don’t
underestimate the power that resides within this tune as it sweeps through the
evening air like a femme fatale. As the EP reaches its climax on ‘Slow &
Steady’ we find Xhoana X in experimental mood, mixing various samples and melodies
to weave a Morcheeba meets Zero 7 inspired track to leave us wanting more. A sublime
collection of tunes that provide something for everyone.