Chromatone’s latest EP “Touchdown” is a pure pop offering with a silky smooth injection of soul. His most recent single ‘Flyin,” taken from the EP, has already amassed 150,000 views in 4-weeks and it’s clear the people want their pop—and Chromatone is making it his mission to give the people what they want!
The EP kicks off with “Alien,” which is also the next single set to be released from “Touchdown” in January 2014. The track is awash with slickly produced sounds and melodies, like a hodge-podge of pop noise with Chromatone’s vocals holding everything in place. The most irksome element of “Alien” has to be the very outdated 90s orchestra hit sound that can be heard throughout the chorus.
It’s second track “Flyin,'” that really knits the whole EP together, by far the strongest track and a damn fine pop song. Natty Speaks features on both this track and “Alien,” and although his contribution was probably needed on “Alien,” “Flyin'” could have done without Natty’s interruption—this is a great track on its own. Ending with “Joyride,” we get back to the more generic dance pop of the ’90s, however, Chromatone slows the pace here showcasing his RnB roots.
When Chromatone’s good, he’s very good. When Chromatone’s bad, he’s average. There are real moments of greatness here but perhaps a bigger release in 2014 will smooth those rough edges. If he loses the kiddy pop image, smartens up, and writes more tracks like “Flyin’,” Chromatone could be one of 2014’s rising popstars.
