Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Steven Layzell is based in Ajax, Ontario, Canada, and has been playing other people’s music all of his life. Now the artist is dedicating his energies to his solo endeavors as Ace Milk. His self-titled album Ace Milk, is based off an electronica vibe, interweaving in hip hop elements as well as an alternative feel. The sound that comes across is an anagram of genres, feeling very much like a mash-up. Layzell clearly knows the sound he is going for and goes at it with aplomb. Ace Milk is a gritty album that pretty much puts on full display Layzell’s love for music.
Ace Milk begins with “Bell Rung,” where some keys and synths come in for a wonky vibe. The electronica builds and builds. As the momentum grows, you eventually get Layzell’s mash of distorted vocals that feels powerful. He elicits tons of feeling to his singing. Soon after, Layzell lays out the foundation to this hip hop piece with some trail-blazing rapping of his own. This was an immediate and hard-hitting track that goes from rock to hip hop at the drop of a hat. A drum machine comes in as more electronic riffs take traction on “Where I Go.” The bass lines here are really invigorating as some keys dance in. Layzell’s vocals come out laid-back and I am reminded of Moby here. Synths and beats arrive for an atmospheric feel on “Hopefully.” I loved how catchy this song sounded to my ears. It felt like a romantic track as the artist sings upliftingly about a love. The buoyancy of this song reminded me of Two Door Cinema Club. Some sparse keys and synths flow through “One Shot For The Pain.” Next, the beats gain momentum for a gritty feel. The vocals are packed with an edgy feel as Layzell goes all-out with a great rock vibe. The guitars also sounded great here. An atmospheric vibe comes in on “Don’t Touch Me.” Soon, more beats enter for a more energized feel. Ghostly vocals sound out in the background. Next, a wall of guitars comes bursting in. Layzell’s reverberating vocals add a searing take to this song. The sound was at times surreal and otherworldly. On the title track “Ace Milk,” more percolating beats arrive. Some guitar strands also make an appearance. There was a jazzy vibe to this track that I found interesting.This proved to be a pure instrumental interlude. On “Remains,” some keys sound out. Next, the wall-to-wall of guitars branch out and encompass the whole song. A drumming beat and more drums ups the ante of the drama. Layzell’s vocals come through with a very spoken word vibe. There was an experimental feel to this song. Pounding beats and radioactive guitars makes “Blood Red Mouth” very hard-hitting. As Layzell coos and screams, I was getting The Black Keys and The White Stripes vibes. I was loving this burst of blues from the artist here. Some rumbling bass lines arrive alongside some beats on “Outspoke.” Soon, you get Layzell’s provocative rap style. The feel was very ominous and driven. The artist chooses to send us off with this gritty and hard-hitting closer. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered all at Layzell’s childhood home in Ajax, Ontario. As a home recording, it felt a little too lo-fi to my tastes. I would’ve liked more fidelity but that might be just me. All-in-all, the album felt raw and hard-hitting and I especially liked the parts where Layzell goes all-out on the blues. It’s a hope of mine that the artist will continue to explore that aspect of his sound in a later record. But again, I think the artist has done a good job here and I look forward to seeing more good things from him soon.
1 Comment
Manny
10/27/2022 04:03:43 pm
Love this album. Stellar work.
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