Chaos/Control is the new LP from Alex Bloom, a Los Angeles-based musician and a graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music. He released debut LP Blue Room in 2017 upon graduation and it was met with critical acclaim, with Northern Transmissions calling it “undeniably one of the most thoughtful albums of the year” and Soundblab writing that Bloom’s music has a timeless quality and “builds on the legacy” of classic rock artists like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Harry Nilsson. In a recent interview with Chaos Control Magazine, Bloom described the sound of Blue Room as “just guitar, piano songs, and background vocals, all very nice sounding.” On the new album, however, Bloom expands his sound to incorporate a large swath of his musical influences – including modern jazz and neoclassical artists – and to push himself to explore new harmonies, chords, and song structures. Chaos/Control was produced by Bloom and his friend Cary Singer (nite swim, Big Sean, Tobias Jesso Jr.), who he credits with helping him take his songs in sometimes-unexpected directions.

The album, Bloom told Chaos Control Magazine, deals lyrically with topics of “uncomfortability” he’s felt in his early adult years. Highlights like “Cigarette” and “Control” relate to the idea that “everyone has to live in some kind of chaos and relinquish control of that.” Elsewhere, as on the bouncy, jangly “Cam Girl,” he explores how society is changing and how digitality has impacted how we love each other. Musically, the biggest departure from Blue Room might be on gently grooving “Elevator,” on which he sings about an elevator ride to hell over a hazy Casiotone beat. Taken as a whole, the collection represents a gorgeous and multi-layered step forward for a talented up-and-comer.

“Bloom’s melodies and vocals truly take the wheel. Falling somewhere between Elliot Smith and Jeff Buckley (think “So Real,” not “Hallelujah”)… In “Elevator,” Bloom lets his range soar.” -Buzzbands

Lyrically idiosyncratic and simply euphoric.” -Mxdwn

RIYL: Andy Schauf, (Sandy) Alex G, Blake Mills, Elliott Smith, Tame Impala, Dent May

Recommended Tracks: Track 5, “Elevator,” Track 1, “After,” Track 11, “Cigarette [Clean Edit],” Track 12, “Control [Shorter Edit,” Track 3, “Cam Girl”

FCC Warning: Track 2, “Cigarette,” and Track 6, “93”

Label: Mr. Saturn

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