Fly Moon Royalty
On the heels of their 2011 self-titled debut, the Seattle-based tandem Fly Moon Royalty releases their latest offering – an EP titled Dimensions. The project showcases three previously released singles (“The Sermon,” “My Heart Keeps Pumping,” and “Birthday Song”), along with a new song (“I’m the Sh*t”) and a remix to the aforementioned “My Heart Keeps Pumping.” All of the tracks display diverse styles of the pop spectrum, but singer Adra Boo and producer/rapper Action Jackson may be two fish swimming in an enormous pond overfilled with even more fish – larger and smaller – all attempting to dine from the same source of sounds. Self-classified as electro-soul, the duo is much closer to electro-pop--a sound that's become rather abundant in the contemporary music world.
The maniacal organ-driven opener, “The Sermon” invites the listener for ”a ride to the other side,” however, unbeknownst to the listener, this ride includes immense traffic, a number of face-smashing potholes, and three deflated tires – in fact, the listener may just opt to jump out of the vehicle here. A story of pride and redemption is conveyed in the track “My Heart Keeps Pumping.” The composition’s snaps, bounce, and sustained two-note synth unite with vocals from Andra Boo: “I’m erasing all the messages you left for me, the words fall off the page where they use to cling, I can do better without you here with me, and when you close the door behind you, leave the key.” Though the lyrics are quotable, the sum is something less than stellar moment, and the melancholic remix is more unimpressive still.
“Birthday Song” and “I’m the Sh*t” are two decent points included on this project. The former is a poppy, Motown-esque tune that’s catchy enough to shop to, while the braggadocio of the latter adds up to a fun and choppy hip hop track featuring Seattle rapper Infer-Know. Taken together, these tracks provide possibly Dimensions most complete moments.
Overall, there’s nothing too spectacular here. However, there are enough sparks happening to make many listeners revisit Fly Moon Royalty on their next effort--the problem here isn’t a dearth in talent, just a lack of a clear identity.
-Julius Thompson
