Review of Ericdoa’s new EP “hi, i’m dante”

A gifted individual, eighteen-year old Ericdoa (also is known as “dantered”) from New England, Connecticut recently released a teaser ep, “hi, i’m dante,” (2020). Ericdoa released his second EP September 30^th for his delayed album, “Coming of Age,” (Rescheduled for drop on November 6^th, 2020). With a wide variety of genres ranging from punk influences, pop, rap, and even dipping into spanish based music- Eric’s core sound has been hyperpop, an experimental pop subgenre with electronic elements that’s been only around since the mid 2010’s. Hyperpop is an up-and-coming genre that’s gained an audience mostly on the platform SoundCloud.

“movinglikeazombie”

The first track off of Ericdoa’s second EP leads in with a fast tempo beat with an upbeat melody, the intro already including some heavily edited vocals. On this track, Eric mentions the troubles and burden of a toxic relationship in the first verse. He talks of having mixed feelings towards his significant other, later to state that he now knows what he can accomplish that they’re done with each other. Ultimately- the decision of breaking up helped him grow as a person. The catchy chorus follows after, where Eric brags about his more rockstar-esq lifestyle now that he can be himself without feeling weighed down.

“himynameisdante”

Eric’s second track starts off with another fast tempo and heavily synth inspired beat. Having a little more fun with this song, playing around with themes of carelessness and feelings of invincibility. He mixes the unstoppable feeling of suddenly not caring, but subconsciously paying attention to details because they still somewhat bother him. This whole track also has a bit-crushed sound and seems to experiment with layered vocals. The upbeat track clashing with it’s personal underlying message disguises the anxious lyrics well and is pleasing to bop to. However, I believe this track may be my last spot for this ep.

“witchcraft freestyle”

On the final track of this mini ep Eric freestyles with a crazy persona in mind, quite actually admitting it. Using a faster and well-paced flow over a less pop more rap-based beat gave a nice effect of focusing on the bars he put down. Rapping about violence in a manner of someone who’s mind is gone and recklessness is the new found mindset is interesting to hear when executed because of the utilization of layered pop/bitcrushed vocals bringing a new sound. Eric does a perfect job of representing hyperpop and rap on this song. This song has one of Eric’s best flows I’ve heard in his music so far, being my favorite track off this ep.

An already proving to be versatile artist, I hope to see Ericdoa continue to grow along side numerous other small and starting out artists in the music industry- Qsquinn, Mochilla, Glaive, and others. If you’re looking for a new sound to give you that adrenaline rush then I would really recommend giving some of these artists and hyperpop a listen. I must say, it may require an accustomed taste but nonetheless it wouldn’t hurt to try. Lastly, stream COA on November 6th, 2020.