Cocojoey's latest musical offering, \"STARS,\" is a captivating sonic odyssey, reflecting the eclectic and dynamic artistic vision of Joey Meland. This album masterfully weaves together a tapestry of diverse musical styles, from the raw power of black metal to the intricate complexities of jazz, the vibrant pulse of electronic music, and the soulful essence of folk. It serves as a testament to Meland's unrestrained creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of conventional genre classification. The record, presented by the equally adventurous Hausu Mountain label, is a bold declaration of artistic freedom, transforming a myriad of influences into a cohesive and exhilarating auditory journey. Listeners are invited into a world where musical categories dissolve, replaced by an invigorating exploration of sound that is both meticulously crafted and joyfully unrestrained.
Joey Meland's musical genesis began at the tender age of four with piano lessons, quickly evolving into a multifaceted exploration of various genres, including classical compositions, black metal, and noise. This early and extensive engagement with diverse musical forms laid the groundwork for a career characterized by ceaseless experimentation. Following high school, Meland pursued a degree in composition, further honing their technical prowess, and then spent a decade immersed in Chicago's vibrant music scene, performing in bands across jazz, folk, and funk genres. This period was marked by a deliberate refusal to confine their artistry to a single style, opting instead for a broad and eclectic engagement with music.
The genesis of Cocojoey as a solo project materialized during the introspective period of the COVID lockdown. This hiatus provided Meland with a profound opportunity for self-reflection and what they describe as a \"spiritual transformation.\" This pivotal moment brought about a newfound clarity, inspiring the creation of Cocojoey. The project's core philosophy centers on integrating all of Meland's previously disparate musical interests into a single, comprehensive artistic entity. This approach is evident in \"STARS,\" where the opening track itself transitions from serene keyboard melodies to intense black metal screams, underscored by acid-tinged drum'n'bass, and the vibrant, theatrical flair of prog-rock and showtunes.
Comparing \"STARS\" to its predecessor, \"Cocojoey's World,\" one observes a marked evolution in precision and intention. While \"Cocojoey's World\" presented a nascent, almost raw manifestation of Meland's sound, \"STARS\" exhibits a more refined and deliberate fusion of elements. Tracks like \"COCOJOEY'S LACK OF REGRETS\" exemplify this maturation, showcasing seamless transitions between unsettling sound design, intricate jazz-fusion piano arrangements, detached vocal delivery, and the visceral power of death metal. The collaboration with Fire-Toolz on this track further enhances its complex sonic texture, providing a framework for listeners to comprehend the intricate, otherworldly soundscapes Meland crafts. Much like Fire-Toolz's own work, \"STARS\" skillfully balances profound weightiness with a playful intellectual curiosity, constructing tracks with an architectural precision akin to building intricate Lego sculptures, only to then dismantle and reassemble them in exhilarating, unexpected ways.
Beyond its innovative sonic landscape, \"STARS\" also serves as a vehicle for Meland to explore significant personal and societal themes. Songs like \"TIME TO GO!\" delve into profound reflections on intrusive thoughts, the struggle against self-obsession, and the existential quest for meaning through artistic creation. \"COCOJOEY'S LACK OF REGRETS\" courageously addresses the challenges of living with chronic illness, even directly naming a health insurance company in its narrative. \"ANOTHER LIFE\" uses its kaleidoscopic synth arrangements to provide a contrasting backdrop to a clear-eyed contemplation of depression and the inertia it can induce. While these lyrical themes are undoubtedly profound, Meland's vibrant and relentlessly energetic musical delivery largely overshadows their somber undertones. In essence, \"STARS\" proposes a unique coping mechanism for life's adversities: by maintaining a state of constant creative engagement and musical dynamism, one might navigate the darkness with an enduring sense of joy and vitality.
Ultimately, \"STARS\" by Cocojoey is a compelling and daring album that transcends conventional musical boundaries. Joey Meland's exceptional ability to synthesize a vast array of genres into a coherent, dynamic, and emotionally resonant experience solidifies their position as an innovative force in contemporary music. The album's blend of high-octane musical shifts and introspective thematic exploration creates a deeply engaging and unique listening journey.