Melbourne solo act Aristo G stands out with unique lyrical flair, thunderous vocal style, and eclectic influences from disco to post-punk. Aristo G is most aptly characterized by his predictable unpredictability and chameleonic sound palette. The release of the Overdrive EP marks a significant milestone for the artist: this mini album, steeped in gothic alternative pop, showcases Aristo’s deep reflections on the human condition, life, and love, all brought to life through his straightforward vocal delivery and synth and guitar riffs. This latest venture runs alongside his dynamic collection of dance-oriented tracks.
Overdrive takes a sharp left turn off the well-beaten dancefloor path, venturing into the wilds of life’s big questions with the kind of zest usually reserved for late-night philosophical debates; dance music to ponder the meaning of existence, all while shimmying in your skinny jeans.
Aristo G marries the brooding depth of gothic themes with the catchiness of pop with guitar and synth riffs snappier than a crocodile with a toothache. So, if you’re ready for a melodious journey through love, life, and everything in between, with a side of existential musing, Aristo G’s ‘Overdrive’ might just be the wild, genre-bending ride you didn’t know you needed. “It’s a new age combination of Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails,” quips the artist.
The title song Overdrive starts with an intriguing mix, where passionate Morrissey-inspired crooning converges with rapid-fire laser effects. The song explores the deep connection between two individuals, their closeness and mutual admiration unites them in an idyllic state. The concept of ‘overdrive’ is a recurring theme, representing an intense flood of emotions and sensations, with the power of their love pushing the boundaries of their reality. The song is rich with symbolic imagery such as arrows and halos, elevating the lovers’ bond to a nearly divine level.
Your Life Is Now, diving more into an industrial-tinged Depeche Mode style, expresses a struggle with despair and the search for meaning, juxtaposing prayers to an indifferent deity with personal introspection. Amidst metaphors of hiding flaws and seeking purpose, the song underscores the importance of living in the moment and the illusion of a predetermined path.
This is followed by Love Games, which sets the scene for a tumultuous relationship marked by an irresistible yet destructive attraction; when one is drawn to a partner whose presence is a mix of enchantment and danger. Despite recognizing the harm and the darkness this love brings, the pull towards this ‘wicked love’ is overwhelming, leading to a cycle of desire and despair.
Finally, the blistering Pantomime expresses frustration with the deceptive and manipulative nature of society, likening life to a dystopian Brave New World where one must play ‘The Savage’ to survive. The singer is tired of the ‘wicked games’ played by a god-like figure, and desires happiness in a world that seems shallow and vain. Despite striving for indifference, there’s a longing for change, a wish for the destructiveness of one’s bitterness to be acknowledged and confronted. Amidst this struggle, there’s a warning against speaking out or challenging the status quo, as it could lead to being devoured by the very system one critiques.
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