Active Child - You Are All I See



Pat Grossi, writing under the alias of Active Child, first reached ears with debut EP ‘Curtis Lane’. Grossi mixes vocals reminiscent of Justin Vernon’s (Bon Iver) with harps and synths to create an eerie, ethereal sound.

‘You Are All I See’ opens with the title track, a melisma of harp notes and vocal layering, setting the tone for the rest of the record. The magical ‘Ancient Eyes’ and the cinematic ‘Ivy’ continue to show off Active Child’s ability to create swirling soundscapes.

However Grossi is truly at his best when he focuses on the melodic centre of his songs. ‘Hanging On’ is an apologetic break up and ‘Way Too Fast’ evokes the atmospheric post-dubstep of James Blake. Undeniably the stand out track of the album is Active Child’s collaboration with How To Dress Well on ‘Playing House’, a melancholic worrying track which showcases the contrast of vocals between the two artists.

The album does not manage to live up to the hype of ‘Curtis Lane’ but offers more on every listen.

6/10
By Jessy Parker