EP Review/ Dark Pop : Antoin Gibson’s ‘Serene Despair’

Antoin Gibson is a dark pop and alternative artist. She crafts grand sweeps of music, a full production that pulls you into the world and gives you a whole saga. Her latest release is the ‘Serene Despair’ EP, a collection that creatively explores the duality in the title. Think dark ethereal fairytales and fantasies. With ethereal quotients that spread out cinematically. Creating whole new worlds of characters, imagery, and consciousness. It’s so immersive. There’s so much world building, depth and dimension. As she introduces it, she also simultaneously explores it, creates complexity and makes you think. Her vocals are contemplative and narrative, insightful in the way she brings it all to life. And the instrumentals and synths are so rich and layered. Everything is set intentionally in ways that elevate the listening experience. 

The saga begins with ‘Vessel of the Loveless’. It introduces us to the stylistic vision that she had for the album. Think Taylor’s ‘Reputation’ album. With dark weaves of melody interspersed with dramatic beats, emphatic vocals, and villainic air, she creates an atmosphere that sets the scene for the album. 

‘Sociopath’s Kaleidoscope’ is the second song. It explores dark pop through the lens of melancholy and lament. Blending neoclassical piano, echoing abyss, ethereal infinities, and vocals that transport you instantly. This dark pop style is closer to Billie Eilish’s style. Soft, deep, and enchantingly disturbing. We see a similar make up in the final song of the EP, ‘My Life’s Dirge’. The vocal work in that is especially astounding as they convey complex emotions with such a resounding grace and inexplicable wonder. 

‘Nightshade Shimmering Secrets’ has a lot of mystique and mystery to it. Its secrets are all contained in a labyrinth that pulses with beats and deep bass lines. It’s more dark electronica infused with techno rhythms and beat stamps. It is hypnotic, alluring. Electric with cerebral sensibilities. The rhythm design intensifies the whole scene, it changes the vocals into a dark, sensual flow. It takes you to such wild spaces, free and natural in the most magical way. 

Finally, ‘Maze of the Serpentine Gaze’. The track is minimalistic. Made with deep basslines, interval beats, and a siren’s voice. The soundscape gives indirectly to the listener. A lot of it is left for us to look for, identify and realize the theme. Despite the bare bones of the song, it has a lot of conceptual characteristics. Like a large slithering presence that the absence manifests. The worlds contained in the falsettos. And the glistening mysteries, glinting with hypnotic imagery, calling you closer and deeper into the maze. 

The cinematic appeal of this album is next level. It is not your ordinary, straightforward craft. It is directed with a vision, a sophisticated prowess and an artistic hand. If you’re looking for a listening experience that reminds you of movies like Maleficent or Alice in Wonderland, you’re sure to love the imagery, emotions, and atmosphere of this EP. Listen Now! 

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The EP is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! 

You can listen to ‘Serene Despair’ by Antoin Gibson here -