If there’s something good to take from this pandemic, it’s the emergence or resurgence of music that just exudes happiness, optimism, and energy. For a while, there’d been an almost over emphasis on soundscapes that were dark and gloomy; but, with real life being so ridiculously glum already, music needs to serve as a form of escapism. For Ali Khan, ‘party’ was a way to cope with his external surroundings while also sharing his own joy and happiness in the midst of chaos.
‘party’ is exuberant in every sense of the word. It’s uncomplicated in its content, but produced with a degree of complexity and layers to create a futuristic hyper-pop set of ten tracks that also incorporate elements of hip-hop, trap, synth pop, and house. In other words, it’s an amalgamation of the best kinds of party music. It’s not a sound that’s immediately digestible however, but if you have a liking for a 100 gecs or Charli XCX, ALi will be right up your alley. That luscious but slightly raw and metallic sonic structure is integral to his style.
On his inspiration behind the album, ALi mentions: “I just really enjoyed the company of friends and family. they inspired some of these songs about my connections with people. specifically, I’m really glad i got to discover myself a lot more throughout this past year. I know myself way more than i did last year and will continue to learn and evolve, and I’m so excited for that.”
And while hyper pop remains that singular anchor, the so called ingredient that holds the entire mixture altogether, each song incorporates something slightly different to give the album a more eclectic and even global feel. ‘get ur ass’ has a distinctive reggaeton beat, something I was not expecting one bit after hearing the more metallic hyper pop bangers ‘sour candy’ and ‘afterlife’. But, over time, it grew on me the most. ‘b!tch i’m foreign’ has an equally global feel, with an addictive chorus that’s going to be annoyingly stuck in your head for a while after. The tabla intro makes it a special piece.
Hyper-pop may not be for everyone, it can be abrasive, steely, and downright weird. But to those who embrace the futuristic and oddities that it entails, it can be an absolute ball. ALi’s ‘party’ is what the name promises, a whole lot of fun and enjoyment. What makes it all the more enjoyable is its eclecticism, bringing a host of global sounds within the gambit of his own hyper pop style.
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