“Summoned by the call of my energy.”
For those who have brushed up on their Elder Scrolls lore, DAEDRIC takes their name from the famed series, and is one of the many influences the solo artists draws from on their debut record, Mortal. Running out of Texas, DAEDRIC debut with “Wretched” in 2020 and with singles such as “Only” and “Dawnbreaker” coming in 2022, both of which feature on Mortal. Alongside this, DAEDRIC have worked with fellow FiXT label mates Kaixo and Celldweller, featuring on both their respective 2023 releases.
Mortal is a bit of an odd one to navigate with so much of it already released. Thankfully, the opening and title track “Mortal” has been saved for the record as it’s an superb opener. The simple but effective vocal hook “My indecision” is injected into the track from the get go. It’s deceptive as only until later will you find it repeating itself in your mind. There’s an impressive range from DAEDRIC vocally, bringing in harsh lows to contrast against the delicate sung vocals that are blended in.
What follows is “Titan“, adjusting the pace. What shines here is both the lead into the chorus and the chorus itself. Feeling Flyleaf-esque at times, the moments where the emphasis are put on DAEDRIC‘s vocals are where the track feels at its best. “Wretched” takes in synthwave leanings, akin to what you’d see in a MEGA DRIVE come Carpenter Brut track, with its dancing synths and booming beat.
A mid-point highlight comes with “Nascent“, a paced, synthy, and almost ballad-like track that pulls Mortal back in after the fairly indifferent “Alchemy“. The computerised drums do feel a bit too evident here, an issue that does crop up across the record. Being a solo project, it is one aspect one can be forgiving towards. “Nirn” has a strong sense of groove to it, there is a sense of boss-battle soundtrack to the track too.
It’s here where a bit more variety would have been welcome in Mortal, that while in isolation tracks “Sepulchre” and “Dawnbreaker” in isolation are decent enough tracks, across a full-length they cover ground from earlier in the record. While “Only” does mix this up, this is where once again the computerised elements of the production with everything feel just slightly too high in the mix, which makes for harsh listening. Closer “Coldharbour” has some really nice synth work and DAEDRIC displays an impassioned vocal performance, ensuring that the record closes on a strong point.
The prevailing sense coming out of Mortal is that there is something worthy of note here but isn’t yet the finished article. DAEDRIC has some grand vocals that carry the record, there is a sense of character to the record and aesthetic that others do lack. With a full line-up to accompany DAEDRIC and a levelling up on the songwriting, there is the potential for something bigger and better here.
6.5/10
Mortal is out August 25th via FiXT, and can be pre-ordered here.