I have for all of you, an exclusive first look at an EP that will be released Monday by The Vigilante, titled New Horizons. Sit back, make sure your groove shoes are on, turn the volume up, and get ready. Here. We. Go.
“New Horizons”
It certainly sounds like the aliens are invading. The opening track begins with some eerie space music that serves as the background and inspiration for the EP. A quiet drum steadily keeps your thoughts racing as the synth melody picks up and begins to take you on a journey. A piano melody takes over with the silences being broken up with additional space sounds. While I’m not creeped out by them, it sure feels like something is coming. The atmosphere surrounding this track is great, it leaves the listener wondering what will come next, not only in the song, but for the rest of the EP. A more familiar beat/melody takes shape midway through the song that is identifiable for the listener. We can grab on to it for safety and comfort as The Vigilante pulls us deeper. The song continues on and ends in much the same way it began, with a feeling of wonder and trepidation as you are just beginning a new journey.
“Pharaohs of Orion”
This next track has me nodding my head from the get go. It sounds slightly like trap, though that clearly isn’t the whole song as it keeps the space vibe from before in its melody. Just when I thought we would be hit with more trap, The Vigilante surprises with a soft dubstep section. There aren’t any heavy drops, but the sub bass hits alongside a bass drum that is kept mostly in the background. I love this interlude as it is unexpected and reminds the listener they must be ready for anything with the threat of invaders. The trap feel returns and we get the idea that something is coming. Near the end of the song we are warned about the invasion with another round of low dubstep kicks that keep us on our toes. The Vigilante has done an excellent job keeping the listener informed of the story, even if they are not entirely aware of it.
“The Invaderz Have Landed”
On to the 3rd song of the EP and we are treated to something quite different. While the space theme is still present, the louder pitch of the opening sounds implies that something has landed and is coming for us. There doesn’t seem to be a good classification for the genre of music we are hearing at this point. It sort of sounds like dubstep, then I hear a few higher notes and psytrance crosses my mind. Then, as if not to be forgotten, terror-core jumps out at me because of the intense story that is unfolding through my ears. Either way, this track is sure to delight. The slow nature of the song keeps you unaware of what is still to come; each new ‘chorus’ does not have the same feel so there is no telling what the invaderz are up to. The relentless assault by the invaderz has me grooving pretty well. The song makes you feel upbeat and nervous, though the melody itself along with the percussion is not necessarily quick. The music is playing tricks on my mind and I absolutely love it.
“Vigils of Light”
I was not expecting a light-hearted song after what I just experienced. This track includes vocal samples that sound much like a choir. I love the game-sounds that are interspersed with the opening of the song. It feels as though we have been privy to a game where we were the characters in it, being chased by aliens as they invaded. Here I feel as though I am playing the game, trying to rescue the poor humans from alien clutches. The up-beat nature of this song gives hope that everything will be ok, that we as the listeners will either escape from the aliens or help our fellow fans escape as well. Having a track like this near the end of the EP is important. You wouldn’t want anyone afraid to hear the last song or leaving, feeling that they couldn’t handle the music. On to the last track!
“Where Do We Go From Here”
The eerie space feeling is mostly gone from the beginning of the last song. A slow beat begins to build with a lurking melody that peaks out from behind the bass at different intervals. While this song is much different than any other on the EP, given the name of the song, it is appealing for that exact reason. We have taken a journey that has left us shaken, but stronger because of the adversity. With this last track we have a reprieve from the madness that was the invasion. We have time to catch our breath and take stock of where we want to go next. This is a great ending to the journey that we have just taken, courtesy of The Vigilante.
First I want to say thank you to The Vigilante for the exclusive look at his new EP that should be released Monday (as he tells me). I think you will find yourself intrigued and appreciative of the work he has obviously put into this EP and the emotions that the music helps to stir within you. Also, a quick thanks to Joey Minami for the picture at the top of the article, it is a beautiful representation of the journey and the work The Vigilante has put in. Keep a look out for the EP on Monday and continue to follow The Vigilante on Twitter where he will surely love to hear your thoughts on this EP. Don’t forget to also follow his Soundcloud to be able to listen to the full EP there when it is released. Thanks for listening.