Review: Echo Omen’s Liminal Allure

Echo Omen
Liminal Allure
Independent

Western Australian songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist Matthew Bracknell, known as Echo Omen, has released his upcoming EP’s first single, Liminal Allure ft. Kierra Luv and Cruz Patterson.

The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar, enriched by subtle percussion, seamlessly creating a downtempo hip-hop beat that is enchanting to listen to, particularly when Bracknell’s soft, soul-soothing and layered vocals introduce the chorus with a layer of serenity.

Lyrically, the song marks a departure from Echo Omen’s trademark complex metaphors and deep analogies. With Liminal Allure, Omen flips his style, embracing a more abstract approach where meaning takes a backseat. There’s a noticeable shift in focus to the sonic quality and flow of the words rather than the definition of the words themselves, and the result is a hit!

Omen’s collaboration with Pennsylvanian R&B artist Kierra Luv infuses Liminal Allure with a heartfelt rap that deepens the song emotionally. Luv’s lyrical delivery, rich with genuine emotion, aligns seamlessly with the track’s style and genre. Her smooth flow, combined with the soothing saxophone that weaves through the track, enhances the song’s intimacy, adding a compelling edge to complement the vocals.

The track also features local Western Australian MC Cruz Patterson, who delivers a series of intricate rhymes paired with smooth R&B vocals. His heartfelt rap effortlessly flows over the instrumental, but it’s his soulful vocals that truly stand out. Cruz’s voice contrasts beautifully with Luv’s, while Bracknell’s chorus bridges and separates their distinct features.

Liminal Allure, with its fresh approach to songwriting and standout contributions from Luv and Patterson, gives fans a glimpse into Echo Omen’s upcoming EP, Meandering Periphery, a collection of four collaborative tracks worth looking forward to.

ELLIS WAKELAM