Be forewarned that this EP is not for those who are only looking for melodic, head-bobbing tunes. “Opulent Romance For Cynics” is more than just that. In fact, it seems to be more than just the label of an EP, a short album, or a bunch of songs.
It’s certainly one that piques curiosity. But, it makes total sense when people come to know that Chris Wheat has worked on novels and narrative films, explaining how niche and somewhat poetic how everything is arranged and how everything sounds in this EP.
The song names are intriguing on its own; it starts with “Drop From The Ferris Wheel”, followed by “A White World You Say”, “In Contempt of The Contemporary”, “So If It Pleases The Jury”, “Boy Thinks He”, and lastly “Still Hanging On”. From just looking at this bunch of titles, the thought of philosophy and defiance comes to mind.
Every track has its own thing going on, although they all adhere to indie, hip-hop, electronic, alternative rock energies. Come to think of it, this may as well be described as beautiful chaos from all the genres it’s influenced by, to the point where you won’t be so sure what to say when someone asks what the record’s like.
The vocals have their own vibe and effect to fit the EP’s entire mood and what all of it is about. Which, speaking of, is honestly the main mystery during and after listening to all six songs. Wheat described all of it to be a ‘break from modern times’, and a ‘pure-hearted ode to old-fashioned romance’, which makes sense due to the lines “waiting for love, day after day” intertwined with the title of “Drop From The Ferris Wheel”.
To be frank, it makes the wish for a list of lyrics stronger to search for the whole meaning of his narrative. It makes me want to sit down with this artist and talk about his thought process during the curation of this release. Because again, this isn’t just your ordinary record. If you are someone who is heavy on analysis, give this one a try. It’s got depth, at the same time it gets you intrigued because of its layers and overall ambience.
Follow Chris Wheat
About the Author
Kate Clarice Lee is a psychology major in Ateneo de Naga University with a knack for music and writing. She takes interest in playing guitar, poetry, creative writing, and lyrics that—subjectively—hit close to home. Kate mostly enjoys indie, alternative, pop & punk rock music.
