Frontier by Villager

Set for release via Eden’s MCMXCV label on January 29th, ‘Frontier' is producer and DJ Alex Young’s debut full-length. Originally intended as a mere sonic experiment, it shifts the focus from high energy club music and emphasises the power of mindfulness and presence through intricate beats and electronica. Blending the meditative brilliance of Fourtet, the overwhelming prettiness of Bibio and the sweeping breakbeats of Skee Mask, ‘Frontier’ showcases a bigger range of styles and feelings from Young's previous work to date. The luminous ambient textures and post-club grooves were born from home listening opposed to high-octane club moments. “So much of the past decade has been about the high, and sound tracking climatic moments for a DJ set,” he explains. “This album was a beautiful opportunity to pursue the other side of it, acknowledging the come down that exists in club culture and exploring melodic sounds and different tempos.”

Still only 25, 2021 represents 10 years since Young started playing live shows, sharing stages with the likes of Skrillex, Cashmere Cat and Kaytranada along the way. "As well as their inspiring work ethic, getting co-signs from a lot of those guys gave me confidence to dig a little deeper into my sound,” he explains. After 4 years of non-stop touring, he decided to remove himself from the scene, taking the necessary steps to grow as an artist. Born out of the desire to create tracks and live experiences that push the threshold of different styles, and a philosophy of unadulterated creative expression, he released his debut ‘Aura’ EP’ via Boys Noize’s iconic imprint in 2019. Flipping from lo-fi cinematics to complex tapestries, the off-kilter hooks and rattling rhythms provided ample evidence of his unique talent. “Aside from Eden, Boys Noize has been my other "curator," and he's been helping me out since I started this project in 2019.” Jonathon Ng AKA Eden came across Young’s music in 2014 and was instantly enamoured. After working together on a compilation for MCMXCV last year, the pair stayed in contact, sharing and working on ideas that would eventual form ‘Frontier. "We worked on different combinations of music, track listing, formatting, and track structures, eventually carving the work into the album it is today,” Ng encloses. “This album really embodies the kind of music that I both adore as a fan, and as a label; idiosyncratic art, made out of the love of furthering the boundaries we consider music to reside within.”

‘Frontier’ begins with its title-track, setting the tone with sweeping ethereal soundscapes and samples before the melodic structure and interweaving synth lines of ‘Brain’ pick up the pace. ’Saco’ was born in southern Maine, where Young spent time with his Grandparents before they passed. “It gives me the feeling of their peaceful beach town,” he shares. Drawing on his experience writing pop music, the albums energetic focal point ‘Less You Talk’ was inspired by an out of body experience, and personal favourite ‘Peace Creek’ from an LSD trip at Great Falls in home-state Maryland. The truly psychedelic ‘Arriving’ sees Young slow things down, bringing infinitesimal moments to the surface and stretching other out for what feels like an eternity. Featuring DJ Krewes, “Lotus” is a great precursor to the end of the story, and final track ‘Peaked’ is designed for the journey back down. “This track kind of hits the nail on the head for what I feel this record is about: the inevitable come down be it drugs, relationships or moments in time,” explains Young. "They all have their crests and peaks, and at a certain point it’s time to start descending again.”

‘Frontier’ is a multi-faceted record of the highest order, created by a dynamic producer at the top of his game. Jam-packed with compelling ideas and constantly evolving sonic tapestries, it cements Young’s place in electronic music’s elite and one to watch in 2022. "I've been behind the scenes producing and writing stuff for other artists, so it will be very rewarding to start releasing my own music again,” he says. We agree.