“Long awaited” is a gross euphemism for… TelosZedd's new album. Fans have been eagerly awaiting it for nine years, and the dance music icon made sure it wasn't in vain.
Unlike her global hit singles “The Middle” and “Stay,” which dabbled in tried-and-true dance-pop arrangements, Telos It illuminates a more analytical side of Zedd that yearns for artistic expression through unexpected means.
“Telos “The term 'end' has multiple meanings, one of them being 'achievement' or 'completion of human art,'” Zedd explains. “'The end' is another interpretation and I identify with all of them. I grew up listening to these albums that shaped me as a musician and I never thought I would be able to create something as good as those, but as I completed TelosI really felt the same excitement that those amazing albums gave me when I was growing up.
“I created something I didn't think I was capable of doing; it just took me a long time.”
He Telos The track listing reflects the influence of classical and orchestral compositions on Zedd’s sound, with each song containing the theatrical whimsy that comes from his musical background. It’s an intentional yet unabashed mix of synths and symphonies, resulting in an album that should prove timeless.
Funk has an indomitable influence on many Telos The tracks are rock-infused, with slap bass acting as the glue that binds the arrangements together. That approach shines on “Automatic Yes,” a compelling collaboration with John Mayer; and on “Out of Time” and “Tangerine Rays,” each of which features a radiant Bea Miller.
The flames of exploration are stoked with the intense, cosmopolitan interlude “Shanti,” a collaboration with Zedd’s “Middle” collaborators Grey. The understated “No Gravity” (featuring Bava) follows in equally penetrating fashion, taking us on globetrotting trips into outer space. Here, an undertow of tenderness washes away gravity, leaving soothing bass and soft vocals to serve as our only link to the ground.
In an unexpected but entirely welcome twist, Zedd taps Irish folk group Olllam for “Sona,” putting a retro, cinematic spin on TelosElsewhere, “Descensus” soars with fiery electric guitar riffs and dramatic cymbal crashes, leading a futuristic charge alongside pop artist Dora Jar.
An undeniable highlight Telos comes with “Dream Brother,” which samples the late great Jeff Buckley's song of the same name from his celebrated 1994 album. FunnyAwash in Zedd's shimmering production, the track moves along to a drum beat that resembles the ticking of a clock counting down into the unknown.
Closing TelosLegendary rock group Muse joins Zedd for “1685,” a song that swells with fierce, theatrical fervor. Clocking in at just over six minutes, the song plays like a lullaby, and the gentle clanging of notes serves as a reverent reflection on the album’s many masterstrokes.
When discussing the album, Zedd paints a portrait of a deeply personal journey of cognitive dissonance, from which he ultimately emerges victorious regarding his vision.
“I've always dreamed of creating an album that I can really look back on 30 years from now and be incredibly proud of, that's as amazing then as it is now, because it's not based on fads,” Zedd explains. “It's not based on sound design that can decay over time. It's based on the music, and so are the albums that I still love today that were released 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago. [With Telos]”That's exactly what I achieved. It just took me a little while to get there.”
Hear Telos Below you will find the new album on streaming platforms. here.
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