Christian Leave releases newest EP, 'Superstar' out now
By Gracie Silverstein
Christian Leave, debuted his newest EP, “Superstar”. Throughout the entire project, Christian backs his honest lyricism with dreamy bedroom-pop elements, creating an emotional front-to-back listening experience. For only thirteen minutes in length, Christian thoroughly investigates self-compassion and power dynamics through a lens of self-discovery and romantic exploration.
“I’ll never be the one, I’ll never be the one they’re drawn to. Always just a face, always just an etch people know through you,” Christian begins the project. The first song on the EP, “Superstar”, dives into this idea of self-realization by way of vulnerable reflection on his place in his relationship. He speaks about being with someone that is so dynamic, that he feels like a background character, an accessory to the light they emit.
Following a similar sound, the second song on the project, “Why Not?” discusses comfortability in relationships and whether settling into a mild routine is a sign of growth, or a case for seeking growth. Beginning with a soft melody built by ethereal guitar, layered falsetto and choir-like harmonies, the song progresses in pace with the chorus, emphasizing urgency within the repeated question, “why not work on it like we used to?”. Addressing a similar theme, “Coming In” utilizes experimental guitar riffs and more elaborate vocals to set itself apart from the delicate impression the first two songs leave on their listener.
Christian continues to display his vocal strength in “Ain’t No Reason”. For the last song of the EP, “Pull”, the gorgeous addition of strings adds to the comfort Christian’s voice provides through his utterly vulnerable lyrics. “You’d rather ignore living than confront who hangs in your mind. Somethings got in your head,” he sings. This final track brings closure to the project, portraying the message that no matter what they go through, individually or together, Christian is there to simply provide support and uplift their relationship for the greater good.
Paired with the excellent production and engineering done by Yves Rothman, Christian Leave uses authentic storytelling and beautiful melodies to transport his audience to a place of self-reflection and contemplation throughout Superstar’s entirety. From his rise to fame on Vine, to his current moment in the bedroom-pop scene, Christian Leave is a musician that is bound to touch more hearts as he continues to unleash the human experience through his unique sound.