'Crystal Ball' Review: Blonder weaves a psychedelic indie-rock tale based on romance, sobriety and substance use
Blonder is set to return with their third release, the 'Crystal Ball' EP on April 24.
The brainchild of Constantine Anastasakis, 'Blonder' is the perfect amalgamation of modern indie rock that beautifully blends elements of post-punk with psychedelic rock and synth-pop. In short, it's a wild trip. Which makes the story behind how 'Crystal Ball' came about so perfectly fitting - it was, in part, influenced by an LSD-fueled New Year celebration.
While at the party, Anastasakis found that a first-time, safe, and low dose of the substance helped produce a chapter turning experience where mid-late career Beach Boys and Beatles began to make sense, leading to the epiphany that he wanted to start experimenting more with psych-rock elements to make his collection of music more of an immersive experience. From this mild trip was born the six songs on the EP that deal with themes of sobriety, substance abuse, romantic musings and a critique on the notion of a 'career' in music.
If that story sounds like something out of a movie to you, for Anastasakis, it really just seems to be how music comes to him. His earliest singles were, after all, brought to life after the self-taught musician met with a bicycle accident and had nothing but time on his hands while recovering. But where his earlier work drew inspiration from an ill-fated romance, with even the name of his project being taken from a conversation with his ex, his latest effort tackles a much wider range of topics and perhaps due to that, really does manage to create a sense of being drawn into a sound as it surrounds you and absorbs you whole. And where his earlier work had elements of the '70s evenly distributed across his style, this EP sees him spread his wings and freely explore a variety of genres. That freedom is beautifully reflected in how smoothly and effortlessly the songs on 'Crystal Ball' flow, and you can hardly tell where one song ends and another begins.
On 'Glue', for instance, Anastasakis weaves a dreamy tale of love or more specifically, navigating through the cycles of emotions that punctuate what being in love can feel like. And at no point does it sound like this song was rigidly crafted. Instead, it feels almost like the song is being created as you listen to it. And the video recreates that feeling perfectly.
'Crystal Ball' also sees Anastasakis return to some of his more pop-oriented sounds as he forays into the new world of psychedelic rock and ties it all together with some top-class production with the help of frequent collaborator and producer Aaron Maine as well as Waylon Rector, mixer Justin Gerrish, and Erin Tonkon. Anastasakis himself has described his process of creating as "collage-y," stating he does not limit himself and remains open to change. This philosophy is reflected in everything from his vocals and singing style, to his lyrics and the music he creates, making for an album that has to be experienced in full to be truly appreciated.
Track List:
1. Island
2. Glue
3. Brand New Car
4. Bees in the Sun
5. Crystal Ball
6. Baby, You’re a Good One (Feat. Chloe Mk) (Bonus)