‘Shadowdancer’ is an album that accentuates and highlights the vocals of its artist like no other. Desmond Myers vocal range is the single most prominent takeaway from this contemporary pop album that heavily leans into its soulful components. From the first minute of ‘Playing With Fire’, you’re introduced to Myers’ vocal strength as the production simply serves as an accentuation of each note he’s able to strike. Its masterful pop soul music, the kind to simply lean back on and enjoy each minute aspect of his performance as the backing alt soul arrangement puts you in the mood to accept it in its entirety.
But the album doesn’t restrain itself to this more placid and ephemeral feeling. Songs like ‘Fuck Fear’ are more ingrained in groove, more confidently filled with funky bass rhythms and a pulsating mood to get you moving. Its far more confident and exciting a listen. The album’s final single, ‘Shadows’ is the definitive highlight that serves as Myers’ own personal journey put to a track. The electronic pop tune is a club song unlike any other. The synth work, the drop when he sings ‘I’m dancing with the shadows’ all make for a thoroughly inviting piece of dance infused pop that isn’t afraid to bring elements of soul to the fore. It’s infectious as hell, one of the most addictive pieces of electro-pop you’re bound to come across.
The Atlanta based singer is hoping to make his break in the UK and Europe with this latest album. As far as I’m concerned, there hasn’t been an album out this year more willing to experiment with electronic and synth production over soulful vocals that’s as diverse, fun, and engaging.