The chillwave genre is one of the most ambiguous ones there are in music. Some people will point to Washed Out as the originator of the sound, and others will point to the likes of Chrome Sparks, Slow Magic, and Galimatias as its current champions. It doesn't matter who's taking up the sound right now, though; what's important is the collection of feelings absorbed from the sound, and nine times out of ten, it's one that includes relaxing, dream-like tones. This brings us to the Miami-based brother-duo X3SR who just released an enticing six-track EP, Melancholia. Where their sound differs from the likes of those mentioned above is that in each song, Brandon and Eric (X3SR) construct the sense that you're listening to a post-rock version of chillwave, as each of their compositions remain at a steady pace from beginning to end. Thus, from this steady energy outpouring alongside the variety of instrumentation they use, their created atmospheres make you feel like you're inside some kind of blissful sonic journey—and this is precisely why we're bringing their EP to you today. It's a fascinating listen and one we definitely don't think you should pass up, so if you wish to check out our preferred cuts from the work, do so below. Also, head over to Bandcamp where you can download the EP for free.
X3SR