Devin Sunshine “Runaway”

All great album possess certain qualities, a common thread, a freedom in creative expression, enlightenment, and a purpose or intent that listeners gravitate towards while divulging flaws with road maps for overcoming adversity. The Orange, California emerging artist Devin Sunshine’s candor is astute the lyrics are poignant and revealing and at times jarring. In a epoch where shock value qualifies as generic, Devin Sunshine resuscitates it’s artistic Je ne sais quio. On this latests full length release titled “Runaway” the artist creates an album comparable to that of  a psychoanalytic thriller the musical version of “Vanilla Sky” filled with interesting soundbites, insightful lyrics, and honesty.

From the onset “Spilt Milk”  sets a mood. This composition is melodramatic laced with an eerie piano melody, adorned with a sine base line and grouped with this hypnotic groggy drum loop. This recording sees the singer/rapper readily accessible divulging on her take on parental constructs, and forming the genesis of ambition to free one self from external restrictions. As the California artist relents “I’m taking back my pride, tired off being sorry, tired of taking back the words I say even if they were retarded, tired of slow ass drivers, tired of being tired, tired of being uninspired... just prove that I’m a f***** fighter”. 

Which segues into “Jenga” the lyrical onslaught continues as the Orange County native pulls conundrums and ruses while effortlessly meandering through this nocturnal rhythmic instrumental.

Which then transitions into the title track “Runaway” where the fundamental mantras of this album is reinforced. Devin Sunshine sheds the cloak of public perception, as well as holding a mirror to an inner being filled with conflict. 

Seeping into “I Told You to Run (Interlude)” and “The Light (Interlude) where Devin Sunshine displays the production prowess. 

Using vocal backdrops and soundbites both interludes are intriguing and cinematic with morphing transitions. 

Loading into “Trigger” which possesses the first feature where the California native enlists Zombie K who adds to the recording with dexterity. The production style incorporates DrumNBass elements with trap percussions. Sunshine raps word in rapid succession displaying her technical lyrical gifts. 

“Depression” is laced in morbid bliss the backdrop is chilling and haunting. The lyrics engage in a riveting soliloquy. Like the title suggests this recording finds Devin counseling via her inner thoughts through bouts of melancholy. 

“Exploding” is backed by a beautiful played  piano lick. As keys trickle through the drums which protrude filling out the rest of the bottom frequencies and soundscape. The Orange County artist relays a captivating story of a past love and the temptation to relapse on a problematic relationship. 

“Dopamine” is poetic and ironic. The production is sinister, with a thumping underbelly. Dopamine is an organic chemical that’s released giving off adrenaline and euphoria. Conversely, Devin Sunshine espouses self loathing content as if it’s a drug that triggers a rush. 

“Awakening” follows the mold derived by Devin Sunshine signature producing style incorporating pluck rhode sounds, a sine bass coupled with trap drums. This recording brings the album full circle. A standout offering and the second single released. The momentum of the album shifts at this juncture as the composition takes on a trajectory in feel. 

Sequencing into “Cntrl” which ushers in a more upbeat palette as the recording finds the artist making amends with situations outside of her control. The production has elements of dream pop as the transition of the latter stages of the album is beginning to take from. 

“Interlude” presents a different layer that amalgamates the album with off-shot soundsbites and assertions. The production takes centerstage showing the willingness for eccentricity, while providing mystery. 

“Smoke & Mirrors” is an introspective recording the first single released that finds the Orange County artist delving into the challenges that arise while doing the self work. As Devin raps “just like constellations we explode and we are born again, yea just like star that collapse we get up and we make our own amends... music is the only thing that saved me”.

“Superheroin” features Sheafy and is the second single released prior to the official release of “Runaway”. The instrumentation is very sedating the messaging is rooted in self discovery. Sheafy puts forth and outstanding contribution, while Sunshine offers adroit lyrics and wordplay. 

“I Love You And” is spoken word that’s truncated and offers a synopsis of the album in whole. A poem dedicated to her inner conscience. 

“I Know You Think I’m Pretty, but I Have a Lot of Flaws (Interlude)” follow suit with other interludes as a device to merge the album. 

“Burn a CD, Here’s a Copy” the production is apropos for the closing credits. The lyrics are philosophical and spiritually engaging , rapping “half the population trying to make it to the pearly gates, other half is waiting for the karma to reincarnate, and some of us just trying to make it worth it before it’s all too late, the thought of losing life is crippling, caught up in the absence of a soul but a soul is what lies within”.  This recording is wholistic putting the journey in perspective. 

The genre blending style intermingles punk rock culture with trap aesthetics. The singer/rapper is not purporting to be different just to appease this current appetite for artists that do so, there’s dense subject matter and lyrical ability that solidifies her artistry. 

An aberration in vibes on this recording which features much more nuances and texture. This album is further evidence of the current renaissance emerging amongst female emcees. While their counterparts are often uninspired and in the forefront, the expansive content, and array of artistry emerging from the female perspective is one to behold and hearken. While Hip Hop connoisseurs are debating which region will emerge as the next premiere hub for Hip Hop, the women arising in the culture are empathetically stating it won’t be a region at all.