Oxlade’s debut project, “Oxygene” released in 2020 established his place amongst the next generation of acts to place heavy bets on. Songs like, “Away”, ” DKT” and a crazy run of features further cemented his rank as a master hook-deliverer – a skill he displayed on his and Blaqbonez’s breakout single, “Mamiwota”. His artistry has been rewarded with a next-rated nomination at the Headies and a win at the Gbedu Awards for the “Best Alternative Act”.
His latest offering, ” Eclipse ” (released as “Troniq Music & Oxlade) is a symbiotic joint with Dj Coublon
who produced all four tracks. The Ep lacks the range of ” Oxygene” but discusses the theme of love in different shades. Oxlade retains his trademark multi layered harmonies and falsettos fest that separates him
from any of his peers.
Below, we ranked all four tracks on Oxlade’s Eclipse Ep;
4. More
“More” bears similarities to the Oxygene Ep opener, “O2”. On both songs, He professes adamant
love and relentless yearning for (more of) his beloved. It wouldn’t be an Oxlade love song if he isn’t at the mercy of his woman.
His melodies on ” More” are, however, housed in brighter sound environments. Dj Coublon’s eclectic blend of percussion, horns, guitars & that Bassline, sets the right mood for a laid-back and breezy intro track.
(If you listen closely, you’ll hear Kizz Daniel -esque elements on this one. The DJ Coublon
connection).
3. Incomplete.
The drums are at their liveliest on this one. Maybe not the best closer of all time, but it’s perfect, relative to the other tracks. Ox took a multidimensional approach to his delivery on this one and Dj Coublon was on guard to complement the singer.
The duo were definitely “in the zone” when they made this one. As the Apple Music Editor puts it, “With its beguiling refrains, dub bassline and mellifluous chords, ” Incomplete ” best captures the magic of this duo”.
2. Pay Me.
Harmonies>>. This is arguably the track with the best vocal harmonies on this project. It also has the best guitar riff I’ve heard on an afropop song in a bit. On this one, Ox counts the cost of losing his lover and continues the trend of dependency and vulnerability that runs through his love songs.
Something about this song leaves you wanting a bit more. There’s a way it ends abruptly that makes you want to play it over.
1)Ojuju
“Ojuju” is very exceptional. The clever delivery and lyrical approach are what make this song special. We see Ox take an unusual cynical stance on love.
This is the darkest part of Oxlade’s eclipse. On “Weakness” (a track off his debut), he sang about a toxic relationship. It is possible that “Ojuju” is a manifestation of his hesitancy to love off the back of that affair. (“DKT” comes to mind too).
While the lyrics are dark and gloomy, the instrumentation is more benign (& brilliant too) without compromising the track’s essence.
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