Isaac Dunbar, a 21-year-old expert in experimental pop, recently released his newest project, “Beep Beep Repeat,” unleashing a new era of his sound perfect for the dance floor.
“It feels different! Not his usual sound from what I remember,” said OH senior Sofía Zafra.
Dunbar released this EP on Fri., April 26th, with stellar vocal performances and exciting production perfect for a party.
“I want this to play at my grad party!”, said Zafra. I have to agree, and if I have a party I will undeniably be playing these songs.
Two of Dunbar’s songs, “Photoshoot Tonight” and “C.R.A.Z.Y.” are reviewed for their depth and quality. However, the album is worthy of a complete listen.
“Photoshoot Tonight”
Starting with an airy orchestra and violin, “Photoshoot Tonight” quickly fades in some twinkling noises and changes abruptly to present a classic drum combination and bouncy beat that won’t fail to make listeners move.
Listeners get some ominous synth added to the beat, curating the perfect background for an introduction to the vocals.
Another layer is added to the production to deepen the sound and brighten it up, as the vocals grow all the more energizing, and that same energy is carried into the song when the main drum and beat sneak into the song’s main production again.
After some more similar vocals a more familiar and softer cloudy vocal sample is added to the mix, reminiscent of Isaac’s older songs.
“‘Photoshoot Tonight’ feels more like his usual music, and I love it,” said Zafra.
After this nostalgia, listeners are hit with a “click click boom boom!” as Dunbar slows down his vocals, belting out beautifully over a more prominent synth.
After a repeat of the usual chorus, we hear another nostalgic vocal run that reminds me of some of the more serious songs in his albums like “isaac’s insects” and “evil twin” The orchestra sounds from the beginning come to fruition again along with these vocals.
To end the song, listeners get almost a collage of all the sounds and vocals heard thus far, meshing together perfectly
“C.R.A.Z.Y”
Listeners start off with high-pitched vocals interspersed with bursts of speech. Then there is a scream and listeners hear another bouncy beat accompanied by an addictive lower electric guitar riff. Dunbar tells a story with dramatic and delicate vocals.
He then switches back to quick speech and immediately switches to belting out profound, sharp vocals. This happens during the pre-chorus and chorus.
Listeners then get the second verse, with vocals that slow down at certain parts, differing from the first verse.
The song switches back to the dramatic and delicate belting and quick speech to end the song, along with a perfectly timed scream.
Zafra related this song to Lady Gaga’s esteemed hit “Bad Romance,” saying, “As if it was the other point of view, even though the songs don’t sound anywhere near the same it’s the lyrics and the background voice!”
Final Thoughts
This EP has an incredible display of artistic versatility with every unique sound and vocal. Every part of each song keeps the listener engaged in exciting ways.
I highly recommend people stream this EP and all of the other astonishing works of this uber-talented musician. Don’t forget to stop by his YouTube channel for his imaginative music videos as well!
This is my first year publishing articles on 42fifty. I am in my senior year at Oswego High School. I am involved in a variety of extracurriculars, including WE Club, the Muslim Student Association, the Oswego High Coalition, and the National English Honors Society.
