The electronic pop and synthwave tendencies in the music of the London-based Stephanie Rodriguez have a lot of Goldfrapp’s ethereal confidence in them. ‘Facades’ is the title of Rodriguez’s latest release, a precursor to her upcoming EP.
An eerie and vaporous cut that introduces Rodriguez’s sound and fascination with music production to new audiences in anticipation of her new batch of songs. ‘Facades’ is released as a part of an EP, recorded solely by her, and featuring her songwriting method of composing the music and producing it first before adding lyrics. This attention to the musical landscape makes Rodriguez’s ‘Facades’ have an immediately gripping sound that is nuanced, while being mostly minimal.
Driven by a lush wall of vaporous synth pads, ‘Facades’ has a thick and foggy sound that can feel a bit claustrophobic. Stylistically, this choice makes the song stand out as a distinctive sonic experience, which is exactly what Stephanie Rodriguez was going for. With ample melodies, ‘Facades’ is not just a creamy ambient piece with thick textures. Rodriguez’s melancholic chord sequences and memorable vocal melodies easily elevate the song, making it an outstanding piece of synthwave that showcases Rodriguez’s fascination with and talent for production, as well as her melodic and harmonic sensibilities.
A dramatic release with an arresting charisma, ‘Facades’ is the kind of song that forces you to pause and listen, paying attention to minute melodic details in the song’s intricate wall of synths and slithering vocals.