With their sophomore full-length album, 2018's polished Orion, New Yorks' X Ambassadors further hone their dusky brand of electro-tinged pop. Working with executive producer Ricky Reed, who has previously helmed albums with Jason Derulo, Leon Bridges, Maroon 5, and others, X Ambassadors offer an album that builds upon the dark emotionality of their early work while offering more of the exuberant pop hooks they adopted on 2015's VHS. It's a sound they've been on the hunt to perfect ever since nabbing initial buzz in 2011 ...
Read More
With their sophomore full-length album, 2018's polished Orion, New Yorks' X Ambassadors further hone their dusky brand of electro-tinged pop. Working with executive producer Ricky Reed, who has previously helmed albums with Jason Derulo, Leon Bridges, Maroon 5, and others, X Ambassadors offer an album that builds upon the dark emotionality of their early work while offering more of the exuberant pop hooks they adopted on 2015's VHS. It's a sound they've been on the hunt to perfect ever since nabbing initial buzz in 2011 with singles like "Litost" and "Consolable" -- and one that purportedly even led them to abandon an entire album in 2018. Instead, they started again, working closely with Reed, Earwulf, and others. Borrowing its title from the mythological Greek hunter, Orion once again showcases the soulful vocals of lead singer Sam Harris, whose throaty lilt adds to the record's earthy production. In fact, many of the arrangements here seem to hinge less upon any synth or drum programming (though there is that), and more on deftly captured analog elements like the twangy acoustic guitar riff on "Hey Child," which evokes a Spaghetti Western-meets-goth vibe akin to Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus." Similarly stripped down is the bluesy "Quicksand," in which Harris coos with hip-hop swagger over another buzzy acoustic riff that brings to mind a more serious take on Odelay-era Beck. Elsewhere, the band joins singer K. Flay for the yearning R&B- and flamenco-accented duet "Confidence," offers up the infectious Achtung Baby-esque pop kinetics of "Boom," and sinks into more sexy hip-hop moodiness on the minor-key falsetto slow jam "Rule." Also compelling is the group's anthemic "Wasteland" which finds them adopting a bit of Bruce Springsteen's passionate stadium sparkle. There are even a few extremely stripped-down moments including the folky ballad "History" and the stirring "I Don't Know How to Pray," in which Harris pleads with gospel intensity against a supple Rhodes-sounding keyboard. As the title implies, Orion is the work of a band on the hunt for a sound that balances outsized mainstream hooks with more fine-tuned R&B intensity, and so far, they've been successful. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
This cd's are new in original packaging. May have dust, dirt or tears to packaging. Thank you for supporting Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara County in our mission to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families through education, skills training, and the power of employment. OUR MEDIA HAS NOT BEEN TESTED. WE CLEAN OUR DISK FOR MINOR SCRACTHES.