Odonian Drifts’ new single, “Retroactive Enchantment,” is a breath of fresh air in 2022; it is guaranteed to be like nothing you’ve heard before. The song has a nostalgic feel, almost reminiscent of Queen’s final album with Freddie Mercury, “The Great Pretender,” yet it has a fresh new take on the dream-pop genre, bringing it into a whole new light. The genre-fusing soundscape consists of lo-fi pop, dream pop, and electronica, being the perfect company for a dystopian sci-fi movie.
Founded in 2021 as the solo project of poet, artist, and academic I.S. (Iain) Rowley, Odonain Drifts has transformed into a truly unique experience. “Retroactive Enchantment” is the third track from Rowley’s upcoming album, “Earwitness on Trial,” which will be released in the summer of 2022. If this album is anything like “Retroactive Enchantment,” “Earwitness on Trial” will take the listener on a hazy yet calming journey they’ll never forget.
The story behind “Retroactive Enchantment” is pretty remarkable; starting as a demo in honor of the 40th anniversary of the first NYC loft party, the track has since evolved into so much more. While Rowley was at the beginning of his creative process with “Retroactive Enchantment” he was heavily inspired, almost in a ghostly way, by the late D.J. and producer David Mancuso, who passed away in 2016. With the help of Mancuso’s presence, Rowley embarked on a journey to turn “Retroactive Enchantment” into a song that perfectly symbolizes loneliness. In Rowley’s words, the track serves as a company for those “…to find a sense of belonging through communal psycho-acoustic experience.” The eerie yet beautiful soundscape and Rowley’s hauntingly lovely voice make “Retroactive Enchantment,” an extraordinary piece of art.
With the pandemic going on for three years now, loneliness and isolation have been at the forefront of many people’s everyday lives. “Retroactive Enchantment” is dedicated to those who spend most of the pandemic alone; this song can hopefully open up everyone to experience happiness and joy once again.
“Retroactive Enchantment” is available on May 9th, 2022, on all platforms.
Written by Melissa Cusano
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