Active Child composed his new EP, Rapor, in somewhat of every artist's ideal location. In isolation away from the smog and bustle of Los Angeles, with a studio nestled in an architecturally crafted house made mostly of glass. Mountains and sunlight wrap around the view. I like to believe that the space an artist creates in directly motivates his inspiration and therefore his or her work. If it's cramped and dark, the work might feel tight and explore the mysteries of our shadow-selves. With this new EP, Active Child claims in his press release the title "Rapor" is named after this studio, "Ra" meaning "sun" (an allusion to the sun god Ra), and "por" meaning house. 

Much of the album's thematic goodness directly focuses on heartache and hurt--we're not just talking about romantic heartbreak, it could be the severing of a relationship between a best friend, parent, or stranger. Not every song alluding to love is about romance. There's no better place to heal from a break-up than nature and isolation. Opening the wounds to the mountains and letting the light pour in. This is much the feel that Rapor exhibits, featuring splendid synths and cascading glissandos like in the opening track "She Cut Me," an ebbing pace that splices Pat Grossi's melodic and hushed vocals. 

Two songs on this EP, which are the highlight of the new work, feature, in order, Mikky Ekko and Ellie Goulding. The former is on "Subtle" that opens with spongy electronic synthesizer and drum rolls supporting Mikky Ekko's falsetto that says, "You calculate the reasons, you keep me satisfied, I think I'm losing my mind for you." Around halfway through the song, their voices draw from the master of falsetto, Michael Jackson, with several 'na-na-na's and a Justin Timberlake-styled half talking, half singing that adds a rhythmic and sparse contrast to the more fluid music underneath. In the song "Silhouette" Grossi and Goulding sing in duet style, responding to each other's angelic voices with phrases like, "Living my life trying to do what's right" and "We can make it if we try, you'll never be alone." 

The rest of the album harks back to the 1980's in tracks like "Calling In The Name of Love," "Feeling Is Gone," and "Evening Ceremony." A subdued synth extends while a sparky phrase races over. Most of these songs show off Grossi's incredible vocals and characterize the dramatic feelings behind the lyrics. It's a hopeful and resilient message. When someone screws you over, love will always be shuffling by in an unexpected way. 

Active Child will be making a fleeting U.S. tour this fall, I'd highly suggest catching him while you can. 

Grade: B