by Joseph Jr. Mastel
Oklahoma City band Lust Online previously released You Can Dance, their debut album, back in 2020. Most of these tracks on that record could be considered pop, but some had a tinge of the shoegaze and dream pop that dominates their new EP, Go Outside. With their latest, Lust Online deftly combines shoegaze, synth pop, and dream pop in a very captivating and memorable way while also creating exceptionally warm relaxing atmospheres and vivid soundscapes. On several songs, you can picture beautiful landscapes or breathtaking environments. As the title somewhat suggests, Go Outside is best listened to outside, in particular during the autumn season, as it feels as if each song has a bit of nature placed inside of it.
“Ms. Brightside” opens the EP, instantly hooking you in from the start. Maddie Razook’s vocals are astonishing, powerful, and full of emotion. Chances are you will be replaying this track quite a bit to hear her sensational and lovely voice. Razook’s vocals are absolutely electric, a true highlight throughout this EP, especially when paired with Lacey Elaine Dillard’s vocals, which are just as impressive. If you enjoy good vocal harmonies, then Go Outside is for you, as there is an abundance of them. Another highlight of “Ms. Brightside” is the bright, hazy, and layered instrumentation, which does a great job of establishing a comforting atmosphere.
“Go On” demonstrates Lust Online’s natural ability to construct irresistible melodies with haunting atmospheres. The bouncy rhythms, shimmering guitar riffs from Connor Schmigle, and wonderful vocals from Razook and Dillard are all phenomenal. It also has an endless amount of charm guaranteed to bring you joy. Each time you listen to it, the track gets better and better. “Prada 120” has a darker (almost eerie) melancholic edge to it compared to the rest of the EP, which is a nice touch. The mixing of the instrumentation and vocals is incredibly well done on this hypnotic track. “Surreal Landscapes” on the other hand has an intriguing driving beat to it that is somewhat reminiscent of an electronica or trip-hop song. “Night Owl” is an absolute banger. It feels like it was ripped right out of the 90s and could easily be placed alongside the best dream pop of that era. It’s exquisite from start to finish.
“Blend,” the closing track of the EP, has a perfect warm autumn vibe to it, a fantastic opening, superb drumming by Donald James, and gorgeous vocal harmonies from Razook and Dillard. The repeated line of “up and down” is super catchy and hits you in the feels; there is just something so stunning about the delivery of those words. Overall, Go Outside sees Lust Online creating wonderful soundscapes that evoke strong images of landscapes and nature. Led by Maddie Razook’s mesmerizing vocals, warm instrumentation, and comfy atmosphere, Go Outside is an EP that will appeal to fans of dream pop, shoegaze, and synth pop.