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Photo courtesy of pitchfork.com.
Gallant recently released his debut album, “Ology.” Photo courtesy of pitchfork.com.

Are you one of the many people fed up with Frank Ocean and the fact that he hasn’t released his new album yet? Well, Gallant just released his first full-length album, “Ology,” which is sure to hold you over till Ocean finally releases his.

Although Gallant’s sound is reminiscent of Ocean’s, “Ology” proves that he is an entirely different animal.  In this album, Gallant’s voice takes you on a journey through his deepest insecurities. From somber to sexy, this is one of the strongest albums of the year so far.

“Ology” has many tones, from the 80’s dance-pop and disco of “Episode,” to the wobbly modern synths of “Open Up,” so it may be exhausting trying to find a melding element between some of the songs. However, it’s Gallant’s voice that is the glue that holds the album together. His impressive falsetto and sultry sound add power and emotion to each song.

Starting out the album, “Talking to Myself” brings a powerful beginning. Striking drums, screaming saxophones and swooshing synths build this eclectic song. “Earthbound and scatter-brained/Can I thrive on pocket change?/I’ve been talking to myself lately, ooh,” he sings over the bulging background. It’s one of my favorite songs on the album and really sets a high bar, which he definitely hits.

“Talking to Myself” effortlessly flows into “Shotgun.” This is one of his more toned down songs, which isn’t saying much. It has an orchestral basis with a beautiful piano and striking brass. “Shotgun” also shows off his deep, poetic lyrics. “With burns on the back of my palms/Will I regret my cause? Or revel in my thoughts?/I’m caught in the winds of remorse,” he questions as he reaches the chorus. “Bone + Tissue,” “Counting” and “Percogesic” are some of the other more lyrically deep songs of “Ology.”

The album continues on and we get “Episode,” the 80’s style slow dance. Its funky bass drives the tune as the rest of the group adds to the retro vibe. Later we get “Miyazaki,” a laidback, sexy lounge song. Lazy synths permeate the background and Gallant’s sultry voice floats over every lyric.

“Ology” gives us an updated and extended version of the song “Jupiter Greyscale” from the “Zebra” EP, but this time simply called “Jupiter.” This is the climax of the album. It builds by adding more and more just as Gallant’s voice climbs up to its highest falsetto. Gallant has one of the best voices of any upcoming and new artist and if you need any more proof, check out the video of his band and him practicing “Jupiter” for his upcoming tour with Zhu. It’s really impressive.

“Jupiter” Live video

To close out the album he gives us “Charda.” This comes back to the orchestral style of “Shotgun,” but even more so. Gallant’s somber tone begins the song, but slowly becomes more and more hopeful. “Charda” progresses into a pouring out of beautiful strings and horns, making you feel wrapped in the warmth of the sound. The beautiful strings transition into “Last,” the 30 second closer to “Ology,” heavily distorting the beauty until it sounds like static.

I’ve been keeping my eye on Gallant for around a year now and I become even more impressed with each new song. Sure the album can seem like a wide spread of different sounds and tones, but I really think he brings things together with his silky, strong voice. “Ology” is my top album of the year so far and I’m excited to see how it moves his career, I see him making huge waves.

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