As an appendage to X Harlow’s last release, Cathars, Justin Schmidt (of Blu Anxxiety) forges on in their exploration of genre-blending electronic music with the Pray EP. Schmidt self-describes their project as “industrial emo rap” and the collection of four tracks proves this unique combination of styles is completely possible. This time around, X Harlow focuses on vocals and a poppier sound as opposed to the cinematic compositions of before—clear beats and rhythms take the forefront.
The Pray EP was written “while trying to make sense of the countless overdoses and suicides in both close circles and underground music scenes across the US in 2021.” The frustrations of drug related deaths and the hopelessness of pandemic isolation become imperative to the lyrical content of each track. The standout song, “Pray,” is oozes emotion with its industrialized snare and moody synth lines while “Ghost” draws upon upbeat trap sounds which are in opposition to the sullen guitar lines of “Chemical Angels.” The EP is a study in genre-crossing experimentation, further reiterating X Harlow’s fearlessness as an artist.
Listen to the Pray EP below:
West Coast Tour with La Pregunta
2/11 Long Beach @ Brick’s Bar
2/12 Los Angeles @ Tromaville
2/14 Los Angeles @ Zebulon
2/19 San Francisco @ The Knockout
2/20 Oakland @ Stay Gold Deli
2/23 Portland @ Shanghai Hotel
2/24 Olympia @ Cryptatropa
2/25 Portland @ Coffin Club
2/26 Seattle @ Barhouse
Southeast Tour with Mother Juno
3/13 Orlando @ Stardust Coffee & Video
3/14 Gainesville: @ Wormhole
3/15 Jacksonville: @ Root Down w/ SEVERED AND SAID, Animal Clinic, and a DJ
3/16 Charleston: @ Cutty’s w/ Dj Normal Girl & Password: Dragon
3/17 Atlanta: @ Bogg’s Social & Supply w/ Picture One & Ian Deaton
3/18 Knoxville @ Bad Water
3/27 Brooklyn @ Trans-Pecos
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