Underscores and the Pursuit of Pop Optimization
April Harper Grey, performing as underscores, is challenging conventional music industry norms with a deliberate and intricate approach to pop music creation. Her recent album, U, exemplifies a calculated effort to engineer pleasure through meticulous production and genre blending.
The Shifting Landscape of Pop and the “Monogenre”
The rise of streaming services in the early 2010s led to a blurring of genre boundaries, a phenomenon Chris DeVille of Stereogum termed “the monogenre.” This shift saw independent artists gaining recognition from major labels and achieving mainstream success. Even as some artists have navigated this transition successfully, others, like Grimes, have faced challenges maintaining prominence. Grey’s work represents a new wave of artists intentionally aiming for broad appeal.
Deconstructing “Tell Me (U Seek It)”
The opening track from U, “Tell Me (U Want It),” showcases Grey’s technical approach to pop songwriting. The song is structured in 12/8 time, a less common choice that contributes to its unique experience. It incorporates elements of “Personal Jesus” panting and a delayed brostep drop, designed to maximize tension and release. The track’s structure is carefully crafted, with each transition feeling seamless despite significant shifts in style.
From Wallsocket to U: A Trajectory of Determination
Grey’s 2023 album, Wallsocket, marked a breakthrough due to its raw, determined production style. The album showcased her versatility, drawing comparisons to artists like Shangri-Las, Edie Brickell, umru, Jane Remover, and Oklou (with whom she collaborated on “harvest sky”). U represents a refinement of this eclecticism, seemingly guided by a desire for broader accessibility.
U: A Fusion of Influences and Choreography
U incorporates a wide range of musical influences, including BIGBANG, Britney Spears, and Basement Jaxx. The album is accompanied by bespoke choreography, demonstrating a commitment to a fully realized artistic vision. Tracks like “Innuendo (I Receive U)” feature gun-cock samples and synth bass, while Grey’s vocal delivery evokes a youthful energy reminiscent of Justin Timberlake or Justin Bieber.
Production and Song Structure on U
Most songs on U adhere to a standard verse-chorus structure, typically concluding around the 2:30 mark. However, Grey frequently subverts expectations, extending tracks into unexpected territory. “Innuendo” and “Lovefield” transition into trance hyperspace, while “Music” culminates in a chiptune breakdown inspired by Skrillex. “Hollywood Forever” even incorporates a nightcore remix. Grey independently produced and wrote the entire album, creating custom synth patches to achieve specific emotional effects. “Wish U Well” is a deliberate homage to Janet Jackson’s “Someone to Call My Lover.”