Le Gabe Music Reviews Introduction / Paulo Leon - Partly Stabilized Partly Curious

Post #1

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the newest music blog coming to you straight from the city of Hamilton... Le Gabe's Music Reviews! First, and foremost, allow me to introduce myself my name is Le Gabe! I am as you may have already guessed an avid music lover and connoisseur, who loves listening to, dancing, playing and dissecting music. My pallet of music ranges all the way from classic jazz, hardcore rap, experimental noise music, psychedelic rock, classic rock, pop, rock and roll, salsa and cumbia etc. the list goes on!

I am a firm believer that music is truly food for the soul. The connection one feels listening to music they love and embody in their daily routines,  is one of life's rarities and joys, one which everyone can experience! As a result, I have started this blog to share new music and give my opinion, and overall rating on both new local music and popular global releases! Each review will carry a final rating based out of 10, a brief dissection on the album itself, and a highlight of my favourite songs on the project and my least favourite songs. 

To kick of this journey my first review will be on the latest project from a Hamiltonian native, Paulo Leon, and his newest project 'Partly Stablizied, Partly Curious'. Paulo Leon is a diverse musician who also proudly represents the Hammer and has performed at staple underground venues in the steel city such as the Casbah, This Ain't Hollywood and Shaolin Underground. Typically from past album releases such as 'Balmoral', and 'Do Not Pass When The Signals Flashing' listeners were treated with hard hitting rhyme schemes, melodic cadences and vocal melodies that sink into your ear over soul infused trap beats. PSPC at the forefront then dresses itself in these elements but with an alternative genre blending direction, embodying new heavy elements of punk rock and psychedelic R&B.

PSPC kicks off the LP with "Never Been On a Boat" a slow burning opener whose synthesized bass evolves into this bombastic beat switch with drums, and a g-funk inspired line that successfully contrasts against the bass to exemplify the schizoid nature of the album. It completely works, as we are then hit with the angsty, angry track titled 'the Unbearable Lightness of Being', which is one of the albums highlights for sure. It carries a new found punk cadence and energy for Paulo, as he discusses his frustration with the expectations of a young hungry artist, caught between societal expectations and the risk that comes with committing to music. Amidst discussions of the mental health/state one is in during this relatable experience. 

Glass Plates Pt 2. another album highlight, also continues this diversity of influences via its breezy psychedelic pop influences, with a hook and lyrics that when I say stays with you, it stays with you. Simple, infectious and poetic. The only downside comes near the second half of the LP with tracks like Spaghetti Life Interlude and Googol, which are not bad or out of place, but just do not carry the same weight and emotional pathos of the other tracks. 

However, this is not to say that the album does not maintain consistency with its diverse blend of unconventional influences, and themes of disconnection and coming of age. Overall, PSPC seamlessly flows maintaining its spirit and thematic conversations, a rarity in this new technological age of 'singles'. All with the melodic ear candy of an artist coming into his own, and never skipping a beat. 

Rating: 8.8/10

Favourite Songs: About a Gorl, Glass Plates, Pt. 2, Writing Rhymes Instead of Essays, The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Least Favourite: Googol, & Spaghetti Life Interlude

Listen Here: smarturl.it/xwy870