Live Review: EDEN's debut album is pure, bittersweet 'Veritigo'
It's a prime time of year for festivities and new tunes, and in amongst January’s whirlwind of airwaves is Irish singer-songwriter-producer EDEN, who has just released his debut album, Vertigo.
The project comes from multi-instrumentalist Jonathon Ng, who has been releasing music for over five years and earned himself a loyal fanbase in quite a few corners of the globe. Ng's first 6 EPs were unveiled under The Eden Project before he transitioned into his present pseudonym, which also brought about another two EPs prior to this full-length record. That's a hell of a lot of releases for a 22 year old up-and-comer to have under his belt.
Vertigo is particularly exciting for any longstanding fans as it's a distinctive hallmark for Ng as an artist, although it might take a few listens to be fully invigorated by his production and songwriting style as a newcomer. EDEN's songs buoyantly yo-yo between profound ballads and glitchy electronically driven production, sublimely glued together by high-range, deeply emotive vocals. This hits the sweet spot in a lot of ways, but is at risk of being drowned out just by sheer over-saturation of this kind of genre, so do check out his previous releases too if you're in doubt - this guy has got some serious talent!
Vertigo cinematically opens with harmonically stacked auto-tuned vocals that segue into a soothing fusion of natural string timbres and bell-toned hooks, navigated by varying intensities of lo-fi beats.
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Leading single ‘Gold’ is a particular stand-out, with the main melody laid out by a sharp sawtooth-toned synth that cuts through some of the musical ambiguity laid out in the production. 'Float' is another focal track, driven by captivating melodic hooks and lush, glitching percussion, which would go down superbly well in a high BPM remix for a next-level club banger.
EDEN’s distinctive production really does shine though, and it's clear that he’s spent a long time grooming his music to create this specific style. By utilising his strength in musical performance as well as production, Vertigo exhibits both polished and organic edges in nearly every track, making for some great slow-burning vibes to be enjoyed as background tunes, or as a narrative start-to-finish listener.
Vertigo is available now on quite a few mediums, and there is set to be a world-wide tour from EDEN kicking off in March. There aren't any Australian shows on the bill yet, but we're keeping our fingers crossed!
Words by FREYA DINESEN
Image: Jimmy Fontaine
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