The seven track pop/rap record from Calabasas based Joey Capo is a sign of the times surmised into a simple yet mellifluously melodic record ’emocean’. Combining elements of vocal tuning with acoustic elements and even a fair dosage of trap drums when needed, the record blends together a slew of styles that’s perhaps best known today as emo pop/rap. The overarching theme of water and the ocean also does come through in not just the lyrical bars, but also in the production and arrangement that creates this almost submerged and underwater feeling.
The opening tune, a two part record ‘ripple effect/current’ best encapsulates the style that Joey Capo is veering for on the record. The heavy processing, the layered beats and the slightly undermixed vocals beneath the production lends itself to that submerged sound. Even in those five minutes alone, he entirely flips the beat and energy to create two seemingly detached but intrinsically connected pieces. The more poppy and upbeat energy of ripple effect gives way to the meditative and almost sedated catharsis that is current. Then, on ‘seaside’, Joey Capo shows off his ballad making chops with an acoustic driven singer-songwriter piece that wouldn’t feel out of place at a fire by the beach. It’s a delightfully nostalgic and dreamy tune that’s just going to have you dying to be with your best of mates, enjoying each others companies while taking in the wonder of the sea ahead of you.
Joey Capo’s clearly got a ear and a penchant for putting together infectious melodies and doing so with production styles that are popping in today’s musical landscape. It’s an all around groovy and melodic piece of modern pop that’s hard to not like.