Every now and then I come across something truly special. There are lots of great albums with hype built up for months before the release. They come pre-packedged with billboards, Rolling Stone articles, and David Letterman performances. Much rarer are those left field hits that take you by surprise in a genuine way free of staged publicity and sex scandals.
The new mixtape "House of Balloons" from Canadian group the Weeknd is a great example of something occupying a sonic territory so specific and haunting that its hard not to pay attention. Originally anonymous, the Weeknd is the project of Toronto based R&B singer Abel Tesfaye and several producers from around the area. Its music for night owls. Sexy, scary, and sad, the Weeknd occupies a sonic territory thats characterized by drugs and loneliness. They don't live in the ideal world but there's something romantically alluring about it. The only comparison in terms of sex appeal and sadness I can conjure is the xx's self titled debut in 2009.
"Codeine cups paint a picture so vivid
Fakes try to mimic get girls timid
But behind closed doors they get oh so rigid"
These lines appear on one of the albums high points, the sad, pseudo-triumphant "The Morning". The world of girls, drugs, and forgotten nights seems to be taking their tole on The Weeknd, who never seem satisfied or happy with where they're at.
This review is to short to really merit a rating, its enough to say that "House of Ballons" is a gem, always sexy and inviting, yet never content.
What You Need - The Weeknd
The Weeknd - What You Need by The_Weeknd
The Morning - The Weeknd
The Weeknd - The Morning by The_Weeknd
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