day13n’s EP ghost town portrays not a picture of a deserted and abandoned town, but rather highlights the energy of the people within. Lyrics centered around late night parties, talks, toxic characters, frustration, substances, and decisions paint a picture of empty and dazed inhabitants. It seems as though this lifestyle isn’t all bad, though. For authentic individuals these hard-hitting, groovable beats contain a certain exhilarating pull you out the door that motivates you to get out there and be yourself.
The first track damn comes in with a bright, velvety, almost old-school R&B sounding picked guitar and some comparatively smooth vocal melodies. This sound stands relaxed compared not only to the EP, but particularly day13n’s early work, some of which contained an aggressive alt rap energy similar to that of early $uicideboy$. damn is not empty though; there’s a sense of building to it. A kick drum slowly introduces itself as the rotation continues and more drums hit as the party kicks off for real. Lyrically this track exemplifies the perhaps over-glorification of a fast and loose lifestyle, creating a cathartic and visceral image of a night full of letting go (or escaping?). Collaborator Muks joins the fray with a more traditional hip-hop sound that, albeit brief, adds a nice balance to the track.
Next up comes the first single of the EP smooth. Here, we’re immediately introduced to the side of the EP that lifts the dancing shoes off the wall. The beat has a rock groove to it, reminiscent of artists such as Who Shot Scott with rolling basslines that live up to the track’s name. day13n seems to portray the inauthentic and undesirable side of being a ghost of the night. Lyrics like “Now who is the crowd that you roll with, got a lot of clout, big mouth talking bullshit” highlight the possibilities of losing yourself when you “go get the money”.
Day comes in with an almost spooky synth, sounding something like an electric theremin accompanied by a smooth bassline that lays a solid foundation for the confronting rock/alt hip-hop style vocal delivery. This track doubles down on disdain for those who are “walking around thinking that they hot shit”. Interestingly, this song moves from an initial hip-hop style delivery to a more modern almost cloud rap cadence and tone. All the while the beat and the bass bounce on, making this a great option to put on your headphones, stomp into your boots, and hit the streets.
The final track nightstand continues providing the danceability of the previous tracks but with a more sentimental concluding feeling to it. Detailing late night phone calls and ambiguous relationships, we come the closest we can hope for to a traditionally wholesome track. Featured artists Muks and Isaac London come in with some heartfelt bars and a jazzy slowed-down beat switch/bridge that seem natural in the progression of a song that tries its best to convey love.
Perhaps that’s the point of this EP, the world and the way we live our lives is changing. Amongst the middle of this day13n seems to be staying in their lane and doing the best they can. We can’t all fit in with the crowd and live a perfect lifestyle but maybe that’s not what it’s about. While aspects of the lifestyle detailed in these songs may not be recommended, there’s a certain authenticity and motivating energy, I think we could all embrace to live a little fuller.
