When it comes to creating art that feels like a bridge between the earthly and the ethereal, London-born alt-pop artist MOLTENO has carved a niche as profound as the skies she gazes upon. Her music is an intricate dance of soundscapes, storytelling, and a voice that seems to echo straight from the cosmos. Following the success of her debut EP Element 1, MOLTENO continues her elemental series with Element 2, an offering that feels both deeply personal and universally expansive.
Out on December 6, 2024, this second installment explores the theme of air and its invisible threads that connect us all. The EP is as much about celestial wonder as it is about the grounding force of human connection. With four intricately crafted tracks—“Aer (To The Cloud Line),” “Moonlight,” “Clouds,” and “Stars”—MOLTENO invites us to look upwards and within, blending celestial soundscapes with vivid narratives that shimmer with authenticity.
The EP begins with “Aer (To The Cloud Line),” a track that feels like the first deep breath you take before stepping onto a mountain peak. The production is lush and minimalistic, with a dreamlike layering of airy synths, gentle percussion, and subtle wind-like effects that mirror the theme of air. MOLTENO’s vocals are feather-light yet commanding, gliding effortlessly over the instrumentation. Her delivery captures the essence of flight, evoking a sense of freedom and exploration. Lyrically, the song feels like an ode to the unseen currents that lift us, physically and metaphorically.
“Moonlight” is a stunningly intimate track that feels like a personal serenade to the moon. Here, MOLTENO’s voice takes on a silvery tone, reminiscent of light breaking through the night. The production is ethereal, with soft piano chords and reverb-drenched strings that create an almost tangible glow. Her vocal performance is tender yet resolute, carrying an emotional depth that makes you want to pause and simply listen. The storytelling in “Moonlight” feels universal, connecting the lunar cycles to human emotions, love, and longing.
True to its name, “Clouds” carries a weightlessness that makes you feel as though you’re drifting through the sky. The track is built on a foundation of swirling synth textures, distant chimes, and a steady, pulsing beat that mimics the rhythm of a heart in awe of nature. MOLTENO’s vocals are layered with harmonies that rise and fall like the undulating shapes of clouds themselves. There’s an almost meditative quality to her delivery here, as if she’s guiding us through a mindful moment of connection with the air we breathe.
The EP closes with “Stars,” a grounding and transcendent track. The instrumentation is celestial, featuring twinkling synth arpeggios, deep bass undertones, and a crescendo of orchestral strings that build to a starburst of sound. MOLTENO’s voice is at its most dynamic here, oscillating between intimate whispers and soaring crescendos. Her performance captures the infinite wonder of the cosmos, making this track a fitting finale to an EP rooted in air and sky. The lyrics touch on themes of interconnectedness, urging us to remember that we are all made of stardust.
Overall, MOLTENO’s “Element 2” is an experience that feels like gazing at the stars on a crisp night, where every note and lyric strikes with something beyond ourselves. Her vocal performances are enchanting, her storytelling clear, and the production is a masterclass in creating immersive atmospheres. This EP is a testament to her ability to intertwine the natural and the celestial, reminding us of our place in the grander scheme of things. With this EP, MOLTENO proves herself not just as an artist but as a visionary who turns air into melody and stars into stories. Whether you’re a stargazer, a dreamer, or simply someone searching for beauty in the every day, this EP is a must-listen.
Listen to the “Element 2” EP on Spotify or SoundCloud
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