Eclecticism has always been at the core of Taylor Xo’s artistry. Emerging from Los Angeles, the singer, songwriter and rapper has never felt as if he belonged to one single scene or genre. Instead, he’s always championed his ability to navigate a plethora of influences and references to pursue pure, unfiltered artistic expression. From the hip-hop craze of ‘Bad’ to the lo-fi energy of ‘Seems I Have Forgot’, Xo’s catalogue is beautifully kaleidoscopic.
Latest release ‘The Last Heartbreak’ is perhaps the most obvious example of what was said above: a 6-track album, the record shifts the attention on poignant rock tones, embracing a more convoluted lyrical aesthetic and emotional themes. Take ‘New York’: introduced by a grungy guitar riff, the song features punchy drums and minimal instrumentation, before jumping into a gritty, modern chorus where we can observe Taylor’s pop prowess, and his ability to craft charming, immersive melodies.
‘You’ takes it down a notch, exploring mellower bays, although we catch a glimpse of an all-out emo moment towards the end. ‘Wish You The Best’ features a mainstream, contemporary production, perhaps the most poppy track in the album. While the opener ‘love is for the weak’ is the sole hip-hop remnant of the record, it is crucial to note how – song after song – the listener is initiated to a familiar journey through a heartbreak experience. Describing the process of reckoning with it, ‘The Last Heartbreak’ represents a human, fragile look at a painful process many of us have gone through.
Taylor Xo opened his heart to us. Now we must open our ears to him. Recommended!
Discover ‘The Last Heartbreak’ on Spotify:
