B-Side Guys

Gillian Krystal’s latest EP, “Out of Frame,” stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to weave the complexities of love into a tapestry of sound. Released on June 7, 2024, this six-track collection is a deeply personal exploration of the emotional landscapes often hidden from view, the ups and downs of a heart navigating the uncharted waters of romance.

The EP’s titular track, “Out of Frame,” serves as the thematic anchor, encapsulating Krystal’s tendency to keep her emotions under wraps, to be an unwavering support for others while silently carrying her own burdens. The song’s honesty is disarming, a window into the artist’s inner world that invites listeners to reflect on their own unspoken struggles and the facades we all maintain.

From the opening notes of “The Blues,” Krystal’s vocals take center stage, a soulful instrument that effortlessly conveys the depth and nuance of her lyrics. As praised by Last Day Deaf, her “divine vocal expression delivers the warmest sonic hug,” enveloping the listener in a blanket of neo-soul and sultry alt-pop.

The dreamy soundscapes of “Clouds” and the introspective musings of “Lose Myself” showcase Krystal’s knack for crafting immersive atmospheres, each track a unique emotional landscape that draws the listener deeper into the EP’s narrative. Her words paint vivid pictures of the joys and pains of love, the moments of ecstasy and the periods of doubt that define any relationship.

“Merry Go Round,” a standout track that has already garnered praise from the likes of Earmilk and Lefuturewave, is a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of a relationship on the brink. Krystal’s vocals are at once vulnerable and resilient, capturing the push and pull of holding onto hope in the face of uncertainty.

The EP’s penultimate track, “Map of Your Heart,” is a cartographer’s dream, a sonic exploration of the contours and landmarks that define a lover’s inner world. Krystal’s lyrics are a compass, guiding the listener through the peaks and valleys of intimacy, the secret places that only a true connection can reveal.

As the final notes of “Out of Frame” fade away, the listener is left with a sense of having been privy to something rare and precious – an unfiltered glimpse into the heart of an artist who is unafraid to bare her soul in the pursuit of her craft. Krystal’s willingness to share the parts of herself that she typically keeps hidden is a gift, a reminder that even the most private struggles and triumphs are threads in the collective human tapestry.

Musically, “Out of Frame” is a testament to Krystal’s growth as an artist since her debut EP, “Torn,” in 2020. The production is polished yet organic, allowing her vocals and lyrics to take center stage while still creating a rich, immersive soundscape. The EP’s 22-minute runtime feels both concise and expansive, a perfectly crafted emotional journey that lingers long after the music has stopped.

In a world that often demands perfection and curated personas, Gillian Krystal’s “Out of Frame” is a breath of fresh air, an invitation to embrace the messiness and beauty of the human experience. It is a reminder that the parts of ourselves we keep hidden are often the most powerful, the most capable of forging deep connections with others.

With this EP, Krystal solidifies her position as an artist to watch, a storyteller with the rare ability to translate the intimate details of her own journey into universal truths. “Out of Frame” is more than just a collection of songs – it is a mirror, a window, and a door, inviting listeners to reflect, to observe, and to step into a world where vulnerability is a strength and love is a force that shapes us all.