54 Ultra’s debut project, First Works, finds a gorgeous groove of smooth, jazz-infused and Latin-inspired sound. Preceded by “Where Are You,” “Talk 2 Me,” “Upside Down” and “No Tengo Valor” released as singles, the EP includes “Halo” and “Does He Know It” as new songs for the artist’s discography.
The lyrics of the EP are complex and soulful. Despite the generally upbeat melodies and energetic tone, 54 Ultra uses the tracks to meditate on romantic yearning and the challenges of being in love. Not once do the songs feel trite or tired.
The artist captures such a fresh, unique perspective that leaves listeners searching for as much meaning as they can find. First Works is a lyrical treasure trove.
Those lyrics are accompanied by a unique blend of synths, brass and drums. As a press release for the EP states, 54 Ultra was influenced by his Puerto Rican and Dominican culture. That inspiration shines throughout, particularly on “Does He Know It” and the Spanglish “No Tengo Valor” and “Where Are You.”
Although the Latin elements are often in the background of the tracks, they add a whole different dimension that feels necessary to the effectiveness of the EP as a whole.
The use of synths is particularly exceptional. I admit that I became skeptical about the use of the synth given its widespread adoption in pop music. My feelings toward the instrument were bitter. First Works changed that.
54 Ultra utilizes the instrument in a balanced way, allowing them to be an artistic addition rather than an exhausted impulse. I was against the synth because it was so frequently a lazy, mindless tool. Here, it is the exact opposite.
The production quality of this EP cannot be ignored. Alongside producers Vince Chiarito and Homer Steinweiss on “Upside Down,” and “Halo,” respectively, 54 Ultra develops a beautiful yet controlled atmosphere. Each song twinkles with details that make already great music spectacular.
With attentive ears, 54 Ultra and his collaborators layer vocals with instrumentation, blending the two together until they feel completely cohesive. One cannot imagine any of these tracks with either vocals or instrumentals isolated.
Among the best aspects of First Works is its playfulness. It is rare to hear a project that so clearly enjoys itself without becoming sloppy or artless. There is a great deal of passion behind the EP, and that shows in the spacey synths of “Talk 2 Me,” the backing vocals of “Where Are You” and the lyrics of “Halo.”
The best part, though, is that nothing feels laborious. It is easygoing yet still expertly created. That is a difficult quality to obtain, even for established musicians.
First Works is a debut to be immensely proud of. Not only does it demonstrate a musical expertise that borders on prodigious, but it blows other artists in 54 Ultra’s periphery out of the water.
My one disappointment with this EP is that it’s only an EP; I am eager to hear more from this incredible talent, and I hope more comes as soon as possible.
