XYLØ - Ganglands of My Heart (Review)

Today's review (I'd say this week's but honestly these uploads don't come on a schedule just when I decide it's time to write one) is XYLØ's new EP, Ganglands of My Heart.

Following up her two 2019 EP's 'Pretty Sad' and 'Yes and No', Paige Duddy's moody vocals shine through on this EP alongside exceptional production from Lee Newell, with the resultant slick electro pop sound making it easily my favourite release of hers. On her insta, she describes this album to be about "the excesses and extremes of growing up and surviving in LA", with each song being a "different chapter" (@xylo). Special mention also needs to go to the photographer behind the visuals for this project, Jussy (@jussy).

I'm going to go over my three favourite tracks: Tongue in the Bag, Goodfellas, and Have You Ever Been In Love?

Tongue in the Bag

The first single released from this EP, Tongue in the Bag is a downtempo track about (as far as I can tell) drug addiction. Newell's production is in the spotlight here, with the layered vocal effects and constant kick drum beat giving the track an almost anxious feeling, and the chopped up vocals in the chorus lending to this atmosphere. This track has insane replay value, I had it on the whole day it was released, and I'm sure my neighbours got bored of hearing it through my speaker. If another song off the EP gets a visual I really hope it's this one, because it really does deserve one.

A song to walk to (trust me on this one, if you match the beat you won't believe how fast you cover ground).

Goodfellas

Another dark electro pop track, Goodfellas is just a vibe. The trap beat throughout goes just hard enough in the chorus to give it some punch, whilst still not being jarring against the smooth vocals, as XYLØ calls out her label for prioritising "a couple fucking DJ's", and flexes how the hardships she endured have made her stronger, as she's "a made man now". The song's bridge also features (I'm assuming) the origin of the EP's title, with the line "In the ganglands of my heart / You're the piece I can't erase".

A song for the Goodfellas soundtrack (I'm hoping, I haven't seen it).

Have You Ever Been in Love?

The only song from the EP at the time of writing to be given a visual, Have You Ever Been In Love is a love story gone wrong, as XYLØ realises the man she wants is "no good for me". Currently the song with a star next to it on Apple Music (indicative of the most popular track), it's easy to see why, with the relatable subject matter and XYLØ's brilliant delivery in the choruses (something about the way she says Getty Villa just gets me). The vocals after the second chorus are fantastic, similar to the vocal breakdown in Tongue in the Bag, just without the chopped up lyrics. The song also has a nice gradual build, with different layers of vocals being added throughout, keeping things interesting all the way to the end.

Another song for a blue-lit room, but you're not crying over your mistakes anymore.