“Outside in, paper thin. This lie that we try to keep saccharine.”
Slightly over a year since his debut album, Sun Cell returns with his latest offering, i’ll play myself out. The solo project of artist-producer Daryl Hor serves as his outlet for introspection and nostalgic yearning. This second EP was written during a tumultuous period in Daryl’s personal life, and it explores themes of resignation, depression, and letting go of the familiar. In line with this theme, the sound of i’ll play myself out takes a different direction sonically from Movements (In The Dark), blending in heavier shoegaze elements into Sun Cell’s indie rock-inspired sound.
The pre-release single, “party’s over (party pooper)” gives a glimpse into the new direction. Honest reflections on the cyclical nature of depression resonate deeply, paired with distortion-laced guitars that drive the poignancy of the track. There’s a certain deceptiveness to its melancholy, as its lyrics are rather bleak for a half-hopeful-sounding song. Musings of self-pity and disappointment are a vulnerable showing of Daryl’s inner turmoil. The warm guitar tones and hazy vocal production leave “party’s over (party pooper)” feeling comforting and relatable, qualities that I definitely appreciate.
On “someone else’s dream”, electronic elements layer over the entire track as it gradually builds from its gentle, clean guitar intro into an explosion of effect-heavy guitars. Daryl’s vocals pierce through the hazy overcast of the guitars to create a dreamy atmosphere. The feelings of longing and resignation are pushed to the forefront with the track’s effective soundscapes. “someone else’s dream” is a song that’s easy to lose yourself in, and you should.
“myrrh” takes on a more classic sound, utilising lush acoustic and electric guitar soundscapes. 90s alt-rock was a big inspiration for this EP, and those influences definitely show themselves here. The guitar lead work over shoegaze soundscapes creates an undeniably nostalgic sound. The lamentations on life losing meaning and eventually saying, “Just forget me when I’m gone.” reveal a vulnerability that certainly hits close to home.
The album closes on its title track. Gentle acoustic guitars pair with Daryl’s vocals, giving a chance for his vocals to shine with clarity. As the gazey guitars soon kick in, the atmosphere of the track transforms into a floaty, ethereal experience. The melancholic musings of the lyrics reflect on how we cope with the regrets and low moments of this life, asking if any of it is ever really genuine. There’s undoubtedly something I can resonate with in these words, and there’s a certain hope that can be found in the commonality of this struggle. The EP’s finisher is a fitting crescendo, sending off this short yet fulfilling record.
There’s something strangely sanguine about i’ll play myself out that’s ultimately its most captivating quality. Sun Cell displays a maturity in sound as he progresses from his debut album. Taking on heavier subject matter, the EP brings an intensity to match, with its cloudy atmospheres mirroring the gloominess that depression can bring. The production work on the EP is also excellently done, giving space for all its elements to shine. i’ll play myself out is a beautiful display of vulnerability that doubles as a love letter to its influences.
