CRYSOFTLY releases debut EP ‘PROMISES’

Coming out of Vancouver’s music sphere, newcomer CRYSOFTLY is part of a generation of artists reshaping melodic rap in exciting new ways. The Canadian artist treats the overlaps between genres as opportunities, blending melodic songwriting with club-driven rhythms and modern production to create a sound that feels at once accessible and entirely unpredictable. Forged via complete creative independence and a desire to experiment, CRYSOFTLY’s music reflects an artist keen to form an output entirely on their own terms.

That steadfast independent ethos is central to everything the project represents; recording and mixing every track from a bedroom studio, CRYSOFTLY retains complete control over the creative process, allowing ideas to appear without outside compromise. It is a hands-on approach that mirrors the confidence found throughout the music itself, where experimentation is embraced and every release feels like another step towards building a thoroughly intriguing artistic voice.

Taking cues from artists including Kanye, Drake and The Weeknd, CRYSOFTLY combines those influences with the energy of jersey club and alternative hip hop. Those elements become ingredients within a wider musical cocktail, resulting in records that move between emotional melody, rhythmic intensity and modern rap energy. First unveiling his highly original sonic vision at the start of the year with the debut single “WHAT’S THE VIBE?,” he’s been quick to follow up with a string of well-received tracks.

Now he brings us the most complete picture of his artistic direction with the release of his debut EP titled PROMISES, a six-track outing that perfectly maps out his sonic offering. Across the EP, CRYSOFTLY explores a range of sonic landscapes while remaining fuelled by a mission of taking melodic rap into new areas. The production itself plays an important role in that context, which was split between two collaborators with This is AL producing the opening half of the record before JOHANMOBU takes over for its latter chapters.

Opened by title track “PROMISES,” the EP starts off with bright female vocal leads which flicker above soft key tones and airy atmosphere as the rattle of percussive shots and buzz of synth textures usher in CRYSOFTLY’s expressive vocal leads. Flowing with emotive R&B vibes, the beat builds with the pulse of Jersey rhythms as the contrast between dreamy instrumentation and subtly driving energy forms an engrossing listening experience from start to finish. “TRIPPIN” drifts into focus with a blend of piano chords, woozy vocalisations and steady drums before slipping into a moving soundscape of spacey synth elements and impassioned vocal performance carrying stunning melodies.

“ALWAYS SOMETHING” slows things down with the flutter of gentle instrumental tones and processed vocal layers as the taps of drums sets up a mesmeric listening experience brimming with delicate melodic writing and poignant lyricism. “ARE YOU DOWN?” brings in the second half of the EP with the flash of soulful vocal lines before an immersive arrangement shifts with crisp beats and CRYSOFTLY’s compelling vocal work, forming an invigorating jam that’s catchy, original and highly affecting all at once.

“MISSIONARY” lands as the emotional and creative heart of PROMISES, rolling with warbling vocals, marching rhythmic punch and siren-esque synth tones before CRYSOFTLY’s voice glides in above snapping beats and wholly absorbing instrumentation. Recognising its potential from the moment it was recorded, CRYSOFTLY identified it as a defining piece within the wider project, resulting in an instantly memorable musical moment that distils his intoxicating sound in spectacular fashion.

Closing the release with “WOULD YOU LEAVE ME?,” the fusion of intimate vocals and swirling instrumental textures glide above the soft pulse of drums before delicately expanding with elegant leads which soar above the intricate arrangement to offer a dazzling finale to CRYSOFTLY’s sensational debut EP. Although still at the beginning of a recording career, CRYSOFTLY already shows an impressive understanding of the importance of artistic ownership and with PROMISES, CRYSOFTLY delivers an ambitious introduction that’s sure to win over listeners around the world.

Listen to PROMISES below