Music has the power to fill up space and create vast new worlds, and Lancelot Chen’s latest album, “Gist of the Dusk,” this sure is one great solid example. Released on November 1, 2024, “Gist of the Dusk” has its own unique way of making a compelling walk toward the center stage of the music scene by earning the spotlight through its interesting songs that are both hauntingly beautiful, calm, and uplifting. This 12-track collection is something of an innovation from Lancelot Chen, who is not afraid to showcase his differences and original ideas by blending the pop genre with elements from other genres and creating his own identity as an artist.
“Gist of the Dusk” is Lancelot Chen’s showcase of skills and talent. While creating great sounds and compelling stories using out-of-the-box mixes, the album’s sound is a representation of the artist’s expansive vision, as each track features distinctive qualities yet is a part of something collective in this album, making it a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience for the listeners from start to finish.
The collection opens with the track “Ovation in Our Minds.” It is where the beats and synths marry into a perfect tone, creating a futuristic and surrounding sound that is both powerful and vulnerable. Added to Chen’s ethereal vocals and singing lines that depict longing for something that had happened in the past, this song sure is something that can greatly connect with the listeners. Following this is “Scary Hour,” with its darker vibe from its opening notes. The eeriness of the background production, along with the hauntingly great vocals done in monotone, adds to the effect of the song, making a compelling message of darkness brought by losing your life’s purpose while grappling with self-doubt. The song is well-structured, perfectly capturing the idea and emotions of being hopeless in times of trouble and being lost.
“The Other Side,” on the other hand, features this refreshing tone that carries a mysterious and ethereal vibe throughout the whole album because of the use of voice effects on the vocals. While this production carries an anxious tone, the melody of this track is most definitely catchy—it perfectly captures the vision of a protagonist experiencing anxiety and distress because of their poor state of mentality. In “Million Lightyears,” the artist recalls experiences of being distant from the people he loves while suffering from his inner conflict. While this track carries a somewhat lighter vibe from its other sisters in the album because of the rich notes from the piano, this piece perfectly channeled the emotions of the artist as it allows the raw regret and disappointment to flow throughout each line in the song—honestly, it’s a personal favorite.
Now, with “Back in Time,” true to its title, the track brings back the nostalgia of listening to 80’s music because said genre is infused in this song’s undertones. It is upbeat, most definitely rhythmic, and thought-provoking. It is a creative take from Chen, making all the beats sharp yet flowing serenely on each track; synths are also packed, yet they shimmer to bring out life to each song piece. Want to hear more? Here are some tracks for you to listen to: Left Shoulder, Walk Like You, Keep My Heart Away, Starlight, Raid Out, and Heaven’s Fall, all featured on this album, all created with such finesse.
Finally, the album closes with the title track “Gist of the Dusk,” a theatrical ending for this great collection. This song gives off the vibe of the golden hour, where realizations come in and then there’s acceptance. This is a great ending, as this piece carries a spirit of relief along with it.
Throughout this album, the full display of top-tier production and lyrical prowess is in full force, allowing the listeners to enjoy great music while receiving great realizations through its messages. “Gist of the Dusk” is an album with so much depth and honesty—it’s all about feeling, facing all the emotions head-on, and acceptance. More importantly, this album carries a very empowering message that strength goes along with letting go. With that, I personally believe that this collection is a perfect soundtrack, so do check it out. Don’t miss out on this goodness—check and follow Lancelot Chen on social media, stream “Gist of the Dusk,” and be sure to share the word. Listen to Gist of the Dusk by Lancelot Chen now!
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About the Author
Born and raised in one of the 7000-ish islands in the Philippines, a self-proclaimed professional fangirl, with a degree in Biology. She probably annoy the people around her so much for not speaking and speaking too much. A frustrated writer, yes!
