Single
Review : JESUS THE APOLLO “THE VILLAIN!”
Manchester-born
artist JESUS THE APOLLO delivers a thrilling, audacious statement with their
latest single, THE VILLAIN!, a track that masterfully bridges 2000s pop
punk nostalgia with modern rap swagger. The song immediately immerses listeners
in a cinematic experience, blending punk instrumentals with hip-hop cadence,
creating a sound both familiar and strikingly fresh.
The
production showcases meticulous craftsmanship: vocals were recorded a cappella
and carefully layered over bold, punk-driven instrumentals, highlighting the
artist’s dynamic approach. Mixing and mastering by Tom Hazal maintain the raw
energy of the performance while achieving a polished, professional sound. The
accompanying music video, directed by Oliver J Frisby with cinematography by
Kafka and DOP Jamie Norman, visually amplifies the track’s narrative,
translating its themes into a dark, thrilling audiovisual journey.
Lyrically, THE
VILLAIN! explores the concept of self-empowerment in the face of societal
judgment. References to iconic figures like Michael Myers, Thanos, and Darth
Vader inject humor and pop culture flair, while the underlying theme celebrates
embracing one’s “villain era”—a bold assertion of autonomy and
self-prioritization. Stefano Ark’s influences, from Hitchcockian tension to
2000s pop punk icons like Sum 41 and Limp Bizkit, are apparent in the track’s
unexpected instrumental shifts and narrative-driven composition.
Overall, THE
VILLAIN! is a high-energy, genre-blurring release that cements JESUS THE
APOLLO’s position as an inventive, boundary-pushing artist. It’s a track that
invites repeated listens, revealing new textures and surprises with every play.
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