Groove along to Leo XIV’s hypnotic, alt-pop groove, ‘Feel’!
Leo XIV is the alternative pop/R&B brainchild of Chicago-based music artist, singer, songwriter, and producer Dylan Leo Azadi. ‘Feel’ is just his second release following his debut track, ‘Midas’, and lets just say, he’s got our attention wrapped up so nicely!
‘Feel’ has this magnetic, immersive, evocative quality. Kind of like listening to JT’s ‘Sexyback’ for the very first time! Right from its opening moments, you’re thrust into pulsating, room-shaking bass lines, adorned with dark, cosmic electronic sounds and playful, cheeky vocalizations.
Leo’s fevered vocals emerge, oozing panache and personality. ‘I think Im starting to hit my stride, I’ve got a feeling…..’, he declares defiantly. The lyrics spell out a commanding statement of intent, a rallying cry to awaken the broken spirit within and ‘start the healing’. Leo’s versatile vocal range is on magnificent full display here. He crushes the chorus lines with unapologetic swagger and bravado, while contrastingly is so playful and even feminine in other sections.
Musically, it is where ‘Feel’ has us drooling. It features stirring, expertly balanced production and composition. We especially love the way Leo styles his sound with a delicate yet bold personality, combining evocative vocals with passionate melodies, astral synths and thumping grooves. It shows us that he ain’t afraid to walk the path less taken, rather he’s leaning heavily into his fearless, experimental artistic side.
At close to 4 minutes, ‘Feel’ is a sensory, listening experience. From start to finish, it exudes remarkable poise and raw emotionality in spades. Its introspective as well as flamboyant, creating an epic contrast, suitable for solitary enjoyment or dance floor extravaganzas.
