Suicideyear – Color the Weather
Color the Weather proves that 808 cowbell trills aren't a crutch and showcases James Prudhomme's ability to adapt and refine his style in new innovative ways
Referencing the children's colouring competition held in the artist's native Baton Rouge, Suicideyear's Color the Weather is a nostalgic but mature evolution on James Prudhomme’s unique synthesis of trap, dance and alternative genres. Blending esoteric vocals with reverb-drenched piano samples, it’s difficult not to be caught up in the swirling dulcet tones of this latest release.
A far cry from his roots in trill-heavy 808 cowbells, Color the Weather is a foray into new musical territory but undoubtedly about youth, innocence and days gone by. Rose-tinted glasses don't feel far from reach, especially evident through the album title and songs such as Momma and Little Palace Hidden Heaven. What does remain from his previous EPs, however, is a mastery of syncopated trap rhythms, soft evocative soundscapes, and the subtle blending of the two into a balanced harmony. The modulated vocal samples in Tired, for example, creates a dissonant but playful tone, which invigorates the mostly instrumental tracks with vibrant layers of sound.
This stylistic change is well executed and solidifies Prudhomme's status as an extremely talented producer and artist in his own right. It is no small feat to blend electronic trap-infused dance beats and the emotional, nostalgic reverie of bands such as Blithe Field and Ricky Eat Acid. Originally drawing a fanbase from Drake remixes, the Louisiana-based producer began establishing his own music and creating a fanbase large enough to garner the attention of sadboy icon Yung Lean, for whom he produced the track Hurt.
Color the Weather is a beautiful, mesmerising album showcasing Suicideyear's talent and ability to create uplifting and ethereal dance tracks without losing any of the kick. It's evident listening to his older releases such as Hate in My Heart and Don't Care About Death Because I Smoke that this skill was always there, but Color the Weather proves that 808 cowbell trills aren't a crutch and showcases his ability to adapt and refine his style in new innovative ways.
Listen to: Momma, Tired