Porter Robinson - SMILE! :D

Imagine a rave in a bouncy castle. Now add a dash of therapy, a sprinkle of late-night doom scrolling, and a hefty dose of nostalgic yearning. Congratulations, you're now in the headspace of Porter Robinson's latest opus, 'SMILE! :D' - a kaleidoscopic journey through the psyche of an artist grappling with fame, mental health, and the bittersweet pangs of 'a better time' – all while keeping the party going. It's a musical Trojan horse, sneaking profound emotional truths past our defences in the guise of candy-coated synths and irresistible beats.

Robinson set out to make an album that was no sincerity, all fun. What he's delivered instead is a work that proves fun and sincerity are not mutually exclusive. 'SMILE! :D' is an album that makes you want to dance, cry, and contemplate the nature of existence – often within the same track.

Single 'Cheerleader' stands out with its bouncy synths and earworm melodies, but beneath its peppy exterior lies a nuanced exploration of parasocial relationships. Robinson unpacks the complexities of fame and connection with a deftness that belies the track's sugary surface. It's a juxtaposition of depth and accessibility that sets the tone for an album that refuses to shy away from difficult themes while still keeping its feet firmly on the dancefloor.

As we journey deeper, Robinson's masterful blending of genres becomes increasingly apparent. 'Russian Roulette' seamlessly weaves together airy acoustics, explosive breaks, and an emo-fueled chorus, offering a poignant exploration of mental health and career exhaustion. Throughout, Robinson demonstrates a remarkable ability to balance opposing forces. The maximalist production, with its vibrant arrangements and high-energy tempos, is tempered by moments of quiet introspection.