Mexican singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julian Lamadrid releases Rebels of The Neon God via Arista Records.
Julian explains, “The album is centered around the dichotomy between frustration and dance, vacancy and ecstasy, enlightenment through pain. I have glimpsed into the eyes of The Neon God, pierced through the void, and come out the other end, desperate for connection, hungry for the eternal.”
Along with the album, Julian unveiled the ‘Rebel Universe,’ a virtual world inspired by the album. Fans may enter the world of The Neon God, unlocking various rooms via purchasing NFT keys.
While growing up in Dubai, Julian resisted the city’s luxury and overindulgence, drawing inspiration from artists such as Freddie Mercury and Iggy Pop, as well as films probing strata of lifestyles. Later, he moved to New York where he studied film at NYU, along with writing and producing music. Signed to Arista Records in 2019, Julian followed by releasing his debut album, Mala Noche.
He’s been featured in elite outlets like V, Wonderland, CLASH, Flaunt, L’Officiel, and Billboard. His sound, while influenced by his international background, blends elements of new wave, bedroom-pop, and Brit-rock into delicious sonic potions.
Encompassing 12-tracks, entry points on the album include “Drunk,” opening on a thumping pop rhythm topped by Julian’s evocative voice. The rhythmic pulse shifts, taking on hints of driving dance-pop savors as the tune revs up.
“Cigarette” features a driving cadence and swirling colors as Julian’s passionate tones imbue the lyrics with yearning desire. A rumbling, shimmering breakdown alters the flow of the song’s harmonics and then shifts back to its potent momentum.
A personal favorite, “Pressure” features a cool, syncopated rhythm, shiny synth coloration, and Julian’s quixotic voice, infusing the lyrics with tender urgency. The final track, “The Neon God,” opens on low-slung dark colors riding a trembling, beating kick-drum. Plush layers of sound enter, giving the tune rippling washes of coloration as Julian’s haunting voice glides overhead. The rhythm bumps into a dance-pop current and then drops into classical, psychedelic tangs of melodic hip-hop.
With Rebels of The Neon God, Julian Lamadrid parades not only his superb songwriting talent but his luscious vocals.
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