In the wake of tragedy, we often find a way to solidify our greatest strengths. Just as pressure forms diamonds, sudden upheaval and loss in our lives often inspires us to produce our best work. It is a costly exchange, and it is an ignorant simplification to assume that we are better off for experiencing such things. No matter what age it occurs at, it is never easy. But there is beauty to be found in the art that we produce in the wake of loss, especially of those closest to us. 

You may already be familiar with some of Dephrase’s output – from his work as a producer for artists like Cliff Notez – check out the track “Happy” from last year’s Why The Wild Things Are – or as half of the synth-tinged hip-hop duo Optic Bloom – and be sure to keep an eye and ear open for future releases from them! To make an early mark on 2020, he’s releasing his debut solo EP today. At Allston Pudding, we have the distinct privilege of premiering an advance stream of the record a day early. 

Linda serves as the artist’s tribute to his late mother, who passed in 2019. January 19th is her birthday, so this release date has a special significance.  Over the EP’s five tracks, Dephrase crafts a beautifully touching tribute to a parental figure who clearly meant so much to him through lush, sample heavy beats that flow seamlessly into each other and scratch away at themes of departure, loss, and love. But the EP’s real power is in the hopeful feeling the music elicits; it never feels drenched with despair, but instead, a patchwork collage crafted with care, love, and devotion not just to the artist’s mother, but to the craft of songwriting and production that Dephrase has worked so hard to master.

With that said, listening to Dephrase’s pitched down vocals on the EP’s closing track “Flowers” makes it difficult not to reminisce about those we as listeners have lost along the way. There is also a lesson to be found in “Already Gone…,” which features vocals from Flowerthief, Dephrase’s bandmate in Optic Bloom. There’s something incredibly touching about this feature, and it’s not just in Flowerthief’s beautiful, soulful vocal delivery; it really speaks to the support and comfort we can find in our friends and creative partners when dealing with our own struggles and turmoil. In just 11 minutes, Dephrase is able to pack such a varied emotional punch that will leave you eagerly anticipating more to come from this skilled producer. 

Stream Linda via Spotify below, and be sure to preorder/buy the EP on Bandcamp.