Captivating synthpop release from Shamir, a non-binary Las Vegas musician, who cites Prince and OutKast as their biggest influences. Passionate lyrics draw on themes of nonconformity and self-expression, and their soaring vocals can really be quite moving at times. Lots of crunchy noise and industrial beats add to the complexity of this very creative project. There are a ton of FCCs, but we are adding the edited version of the album, so we’re in the clear.

RIYL: serpentwithfeet, Yves Tumor, Moses Sumney
TRY: 2, 1, 4, 9, 7

(1.) (2:48) Soaring vocals over a blown-out baseline
(2.) (5:05) Passionate vocals about gender identity over a fuzzed-out, plunging beat
(3.) (2:43) Confrontational anti-capitalist rap over a gyrating industrial beat
(4.) (3:10) Synthy dancy R&B. Heavy on the funk
(5.) (3:23) Gentle beat with melodic vocals
(6.) (3:57) Stripped-down acoustic ballad with a slow-building shimmery backbeat
(7.) (3:48) Anthemic with standout vocals. Cool-toned synth and a touch of guitar grunge
(8.) (3:21) Skippy beat, upbeat funk
(9.) (4:35) Downtempo, stabs of guitar, smooth crooning
(10.) (4:27) Piano ballad with strings and lush background vocals