I have been excited to talk about “Soda Pop” the debut release from an emerging Dublin-based singer/songwriter who records under the very drag queen sounding name of, Apollo Monroe. Alas, there are no sequins to be found gleaming on these press photo’s (I have looked over the promo images scrupulously). The music, however, will have the EQ readership starting up their engines, for sure. “UK Hun?” isn’t only the queer-pop track of the moment that makes me want to blurt out the words ‘bing bang bong’ at lung-bursting volume. (These being representative of my feelings about the Apollo Monroe track “Soda Pop“). On his debut, Apollo is giving us bold, colourful electro beats like we haven’t heard of in a long time. Together with frothy, effervescent pop allure. The arrival of “Soda Pop” couldn’t have come with better timing, I feel.
Electro-pop freaks like me will pick up on the obvious Charli XCX, A.G. Cook, SOPHIE hyper-pop stylings of the track straight away. Digitized, glitchy sound effects mixed with unabashed futuristic synths. Teamed with a provocative lyrical narrative catering to naughty appetites. It doesn’t matter what kinks you are into, there is no mistaking the song is about sex. Isn’t overtly salacious or camp cringeworthy, it treads the line between both. It sells.
Previously Apollo Monroe helmed an 80s inspired synth-pop band called Apollo 6. Bands like that are kind of ten-a-penny. I consider it a prudent decision to ditch that aesthetic in favour of setting his sights on innovating the electronic-pop genre, pushing boundaries instead. I like that Monroe is impacting with an energetic, unforgiving bop derived from an interesting sonic palette. If the track is indicative of this how this artist does, exciting and edgy. I really hope Apollo Monroe has a catalogue of similarly buzzy, forward-thinking music ready to launch.
Connect with Apollo Monroe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APOLLOMONRO3/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/apollomonro3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apollomonro3/