Academy Award® BAFTA-nominated trio Son Lux crafts a world of their own with their newest EP, “Risk of Make Believe.” Composed of five uniquely layered songs, the New York-based band weaves an ethereal soundscape of raw emotion and delicate instrumentation. From the haunting, evocative harmonies of “Cocoon” to the slow-burn synths found in “Take Your Time with Me,” this release is sure to pull listeners into its web of haunting emotion.
“Haiku”
Intimate yet expansive, “Haiku” sets the tone of the EP with its transformative, dreamlike ambience. The opening track layers meditative vocals over subtle electronic synthesizers. Enhancing its minimalistic arrangement, the piece mirrors the syllable count of a traditional haiku poem. The combination of organic and electronic textures make it a mesmerizing introduction to “Risk of Make Believe.”
“Risk of Make Believe”
Son Lux initially teased the album by releasing its title track last September 25, 2024. Featuring sweeping synths, percussive electronic beats and a steady, slower bassline, “Risk of Make Believe” embodies the tension of a push-and-pull evolution. “Give me nothing, but take a chance / On yourself with me / What’s the risk of make believe?” sings Ryan Lott, the band’s lead singer. His hazy vocals strengthen the track’s immersive feel, weaving through the backdrop of atmospheric texture and emotional motifs. Since its debut, “Risk of Make Believe” has garnered over 250,000 Spotify streams and 70,000 YouTube views.
“Don’t Say It’s Too Late”
About two months later, the trio offered fans another glimpse into their upcoming project with the release of “Don’t Say It’s Too Late.” The haunting winter ballad welcomes three-time GRAMMY Award-winning arranger, producer and string player Rob Moose. His ethereal production intertwines melancholic strings with lingering electronic elements, seamlessly blending contemporary and classical genres. Combined with Lott’s intimate vocals, the lyricism underscores themes of passion and longing for something deeper.
Future trapped within us is imagined, nothing more
Maybe what we thought would stay was never going to come
What we bound together was just bound to come undone”
– “Don’t Say It’s Too Late”
“Cocoon”
The EP’s fourth track, “Cocoon,” takes Son Lux’s experimental techniques to the next level. Capping at seven minutes and 23 seconds, the composition seamlessly echoes the metamorphic themes of transformation introduced in “Haiku.” Further, the song’s swelling orchestral arrangements create a rich, cinematic atmosphere.
Crafting film-score-worthy songs is no new feat for the trio, as they composed the soundtrack for A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). Their work on this Academy Award-winning Best Picture film also earned them 2 Academy Award nominations and a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Score, further sealing their cinematic reputation. Looking ahead, Son Lux is working on scoring Marvel Studio’s highly anticipated Thunderbolts film, set for release May 2, 2025.
“Take Your Time with Me” closes the EP with fluttering snare drums, riveting basslines and techno-infused vocals. After hypnotizing listeners with the repeated “Take your time with me,” plea, the instrumentation unfolds in a way that feels strangely uplifting and utterly euphoric. Elements of past tracks are weaved throughout, bringing “Risk of Make Believe” full circle in an irresistible finale.
Keep your eyes on future Son Lux releases by checking out their website, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
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