Review by Quinn Donoghue – It doesn’t take long for Sheenah Ko to hypnotize and reel you into her mystical universe with her new album, Future Is Now. Oftentimes, you’ll hear musicians say that they want their albums to be an “experience.” Ko effortlessly accomplishes this feat with her dreamlike vocals, mysterious synth sounds, and avant-garde production techniques. The instrumentation is complex enough to keep the listener on their toes, while also being simple enough for Ko’s inimitable voice to radiate in the forefront of each song. One of Sheena Ko’s objectives with this record was to “focus on the present and be in the moment.” It’s no surprise that this concept was applied throughout, as every lyric, every chord, and every creative idea is so deliberate, they’re like daggers cutting deep into the human experience.
Ko runs the gamut on this album with a wide dynamic range and a multitude of sinuous sonic expressions. Nonetheless, she demonstrates why she’s one of the queens of synth-pop, paying an ode to artists like Slowdive, LCD Soundsystem, and Beach House, while also carving out her own niche in this realm. Songs like “Are You Listening” “Waterfall” “Postcard From Saguenay” and “Your Stare” will essentially teleport each listener into her alternate dimension. These songs among others are a product of a carefully constructed, ethereal atmosphere that showcase her impressive vocal shops, intriguing synth interludes, and peculiar production, inducing wonder and pushing the boundaries of one’s imagination.
In addition to her prowess as a synth-pop trailblazer, Future Is Now further solidifies that she’s far from a one-dimensional artist. Tracks such as “Give It All” and “Wake Up” are much more percussion oriented, the latter being my personal favorite. It serves as a full-on dance track, driven by a disco-ish beat and an anthemic chorus. Its groove is undeniable and one should expect an onset of involuntary head-bobbing when jamming out to “Wake Up.”
Apart from Ko’s indisputable talent and highly creative wits, the message behind her music is admirable. She wrote songs that inspire people to “fight the good fight” and to “ensure you’re having some fun,” while also emphasizing her love and appreciation for the natural world. Sheenah Ko is in complete command of her craft, and Future Is Now is indicative of that.
