REVIEW: Sadbot's 'V1.0.1' Brings The Nostalgia & Retrofuturism You've Been Craving

 
 
 

GLITTERING ELECTRONIC POP THAT REVELS IN RETROFUTRISIM AND NOSTALGIA - sadbot’s debut EP V1.0.1 is a collection of songs that take DIY music to an out-of-world level. sadbot (also known as Isaac White) tackles themes in his music that center around denial, heartbreak, coping, and the eventual acceptance that comes with big changes. Crafting wavepop from his bedroom in Sheffield, England, Isaac released his first project back in November 2021, and he now marks his return with the bonus track “Catch Me Falling.” 

Opening on a somber note with “Later,” Isaac sings, “I never pictured we would be having this conversation, but I guess that I was trying to postpone our expiration.” The track paints a realistic picture of the end of a relationship and the longing to delay those all-important discussions that eventually mark the break-up. The laid-back melody is not short of its intricacies, and sadbot’s layered vocals are a stand-out. A common takeaway from each of the songs on V1.0.1 is that it could fit perfectly on the soundtrack to a sci-fi show, or film. The first that comes to mind is Netflix’s Stranger Things. Similar to the final track on the EP, “sadbot will return…” is a 1-minute track that delves deeper into the distinct cinematic soundscapes he’s inspired by. Isaac discussed that he initially got really into the idea of writing scores/music for film, and at a similar time was exploring the world of electronic scoring from films such as Blade Runner and Ex Machina. It’s no surprise then that the EP begins to feel like a “score” of sadbot’s day-to-day life.

On the pulsating “Dream Cruise,” sadbot draws influences from a selection of artists. There’s no doubt that Tame Impala has had a huge impact on Isaac’s music, just from hearing V1.0.1, Kevin Parker’s sincere songwriting and pictorial production shines through in a way that pays tribute, while still sounding uniquely “sadbot.” Daft Punk’s reinvention of disco, and their unequivocally cool grooves helped Isaac develop his bass playing origins into a solo producer, and his latest track “Catch Me Falling,” is a great example of this.

The atmospheric “Catch Me Falling” is a precursor to new sadbot music, while transitioning seamlessly from the start of his solo story. Dancey and delicate, with sweet vocals, the synth-heavy track is brutally honest as he ponders over potentialities: “cause I've been thinking of all the ways to get over you, but in the end I just don't want to.” Isaac revealed, “I was listening through some old demos of mine, and found one that I had completely forgotten about. I really quickly got obsessed with trying to finish it and release it quickly because I always take so long making music, I guess I just wanted to challenge myself. It didn’t end up making the EP in time - but I still think it has a nice feel and theme. It’s sort of about asking your mates to keep you in check when you slip back into old habits/old memories, and trying to consolidate that with the idea of running into your past. I think it serves as a nice bridge between the E.P and the next thing I’m gonna do - it sets the scene quite well.”

Venturing into the realm of vulnerability, “Happy (Just To Be Yours)” is the first single sadbot released, nearly a year ago, back in March. Embodying retrowave disco-pop, he emulates a sound which makes listeners yearn for the past and the present simultaneously. The third track from V1.0.1 offers an insight into how the artist coped with different changes in his life, as the singer had gone through a break-up and the end of his former band, all within about a week. The song is just about that initial feeling of “I know you don’t love me back, but to be honest, I don’t really mind just hanging around.”

V1.0.1 is just a little taste of the talent of Isaac White, from his vocals, lyrics, melodies, and production, he offers a fresh take on retro sounds with all sorts of diverse and exciting elements. 2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the new artist, with “Catch Me Falling” estimated for release around February 18, get your dose of futuristic nostalgia by tuning in to sadbot.

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