Byron Edwards - coy paradixio

Byron Edwards

Coy Paradixio
self-released; 2013

4.2 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Byron Edwards is an exciting artist to review because his sound is recognizable yet original. On his album Coy Paradixio Edwards contorts and bends genres with ease to create accessible songs presented in a pop format. What is fun about a record like this is discovering all the ways he makes his music unique. Whether it’s the sounds he drops in his songs that you wouldn't expect to work but totally do or the song structure itself Edwards keeps your attention throughout. It’s hard to compare Edwards to anyone directly but his complete annihilation of genres reminded me of Ariel Pink in that way that composition of these songs clearly comes from an eccentric mind. 

Edwards created a video for each song which you can watch seamlessly on his website. My advice is to grab your favorite beverage, a snack if you're hungry and get ready to be entertained.

The first video/song you are treated with is “Everytime,” which starts off with a myriad of disparate sounds that create a haunting kaleidoscope of psychedelic tremors. Out of nowhere the song busts a funky yet restrained beat, which is the verse of the song. Around every corner is something unexpected and while the video is a nice visual experience the music is what keeps your attention. 

Edwards is just getting starting on “I’ve Bumped My Head On The Moon.”  He takes a cozy sounding jazz guitar and a piano and wraps it in a radio transmission, a theremin and static. Who knew these sounds would work together? I didn’t. Edwards without hesitation turns the song into a very accessible yet experimental pop song. 

Perhaps the most original transition belongs to “Goodbye Evel.” The song starts off with Spanish type guitar playing and Edwards singing over it. His voice becomes more affected by reverb as the guitar fades away and is replaced by what sounds like cartoon voices and static before busting into the verse. On paper it sounds like a failure but it completely works for some reason. The song mutates into more unexpected territory and at this point I am starting to believe Edwards is a mad genius. 

There are 13 songs on Coy Paradixio but watching the video and listening to the music was hardly a chore. In fact, I have to say Edwards’ original style and creativity should not go unnoticed. There are a lot of bands writing great music but Edwards is really making something original, which is pretty rare these days.