XHOANA X – EP REVIEW

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.

More information: https://www.instagram.com/xhoana_x/

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