Æves – Desire

By: Maggie Stankiewicz

Alt-Pop Duo Æves has returned to the scene to debut their new EP Desire just one week ahead of their “Wild Hearts” music video premiere. Desire is full of eclectic harmonies that come courtesy of their founding members, Molly O’Malley and Matthew Adam. The beautiful marriage of their two musical styles has resulted in an ethereal, upbeat mixture of acoustic stylings, electronically-produced beats, smooth, palatable pop. Of course, this isn’t Molly or Matthew’s first time in the musical rodeo, having formed Æves in early 2015. The pair have been perfecting their sound for a little over three years. And it shows.

Desire is a six-track extended play that takes listeners through a mellow yet upbeat journey through the magical realm of love and all of its implications. The EP, which includes three variations of the single “Wild Hearts,” is lacking in song variation – though it successfully makes up the monotony with two other musically distinct tracks including, “Loaded Love” and “Haunted.” The duo’s decision to include both a stripped and a fully-dressed version of “Loaded Love” was a bold but gratifying choice, as the stripped version stirs up a sense of nostalgic melancholy that is difficult to manufacture.

Read on for a track-by-track breakdown of this romantic alt-pop explosion:

1. Wild Hearts – This fully-dressed, original version of Æves’ upcoming single is what the youths of today would refer to as a bop. Laced with electronic sounds and upbeat vocals, this is an incredibly wise choice for the band’s newest single. It serves as a brilliant introductory song, setting the tone of the EP by laying down lyrics on the tumultuous nature of love – only to back it up with an upbeat tempo and an infectious rhythm.

2. Loaded Love – This is another well-produced track that opens with some strings being plucked in rapid succession. This iteration of the song is another upbeat tune that layers richly textured sounds beneath simple, but poignant lyrics. “Loaded Love” is a solid-choice for any road trip playlist, though it might not provide you with the same energy pump as “Wild Hearts.”

3. Haunted – This is perhaps the black sheep of the Desire EP, with both the vocals and the beats a little more somber, a little more subdued in their delivery. There is something almost seductive about this song – the concept of lost desire a little too delicious to turn away from.

4. Wild Hearts (Victor Corbett Remix) – This remixed version of “Wild Hearts” doesn’t pack as much of an emotional punch as the original. The electronics are amplified and the bass is turned up to eleven – turning this bop into something that more closely resembles a dance-driven number.

5. Loaded Love (Stripped) – This is my personal favorite from the album. As a sucker for an acoustic song, I can’t resist the opportunity to feel a little mellow. Molly’s vocals in this version of “Loaded Love (Stripped) are at their best. With the electronics hushed for a beautiful four-minutes and twenty-seconds, the lyrics and the vocals aren’t able to hide…and let me tell you, they don’t disappoint. The subtle sadness that takes root listening to this version is easily eclipsed by the pleasantry of Æves’ artistry.

6. Wild Hearts (Stripped) – At the risk of sounding like a slave to simple acoustics, this is also among my favorites. This version of “Wild Hearts” is a little less hopeful than the original, but it exudes strength where its earlier version exudes irrevocable positivity. Molly’s vocal talent is the shining star once more, but that’s not to say that the accompanying piano goes without notice. This is the perfect song for any coffee shop playlist.

This EP is a well-composed and thoughtfully constructed display of what Æves has to offer. This formidable duo has positioned themselves to make waves within the alternative and electronic pop genres, but there’s more to them than production value. Molly and Matthew’s passion is felt throughout each and every track and that is something to be desired…