Troye Sivan - TRXYE [EP Review]

Having recently peaked on the Billboard 200 last week at number 5, Troye Sivan’s third EP (his first with major label Universal Music Australia [EMI Music Australia]), TRXYE, has proved popular amongst audiences and allowed the singer to make a big impact on the industry.

The stylized EP features 5 tracks; ‘Happy Little Pill’ being track-listing number one. The song focuses on the idea of loneliness, and how different people respond to that type of isolation, and the track makes particular references to addictions in its lyrics ‘Nothing but time to kill/ Sipping life from bottles’, which showcases a deeper side to the singer. Cased in brooding vocals and atmospheric electro-pop beats and synths, ‘Happy Little Pill’ is an infectious track which proves the singer has the ability to make music that is worth listening to. Suitably dark in places, and glazed with a touch of the enigmatic, the track positions the listener in a manner in which to experience the rest of the EP. It is at this point you will be wondering whether the rest of the EP follows the same suit, in regards to the more hidden depths hidden beneath the dance-floor vibes. You can also read our full review of Sivan's 'Happy Little Pill', here. 

Track #2 is the sensual ‘Touch’ which depicts the first interaction between lovers, when they finally embrace each other and feel that sense of energy. ‘I can almost feel your breath/ I can almost feel the rest/ Night is young and we’re living’ encapsulates this feeling perfectly; it is the nature of anticipation and living in the moment and being excited for what’s next. Sivan’s lyrics give reference to his level of maturity, having co-written ‘Touch’ with Thomas Rawle, and this level of knowledge and emotion transfers beautifully into the songs that have been produced, with Sivan managing to convey through his hazy and soft vocals the exact emotion that he wants. This is particularly significant, as it shows that the 19 year old singer has potentially an intriguing career ahead of him in the music industry.  

TRXYE is particularly poignant as it manages to juxtapose fairly energetic beats with rather more solemn and deep lyrics, which make for an interesting contrast in between the nature and construction of the track. ‘Fun’ is a perfect example of this, which features striking lyrics including ‘Let’s go have fun, you and me in the old Jeep/ Ride around town with our rifles on the front seat/ Fun, you and me in the Middle East/ Shooting at rocks, bullets cocked in the midday’ which makes fun of its own name, considering in reality, this is anything but ‘fun’. This once again makes reference to a more complex, meaningful EP from such a young vocalist, and chucks in a bit of social commentary for good measure.

The fourth track is the more solemn, piano laden ‘Gasoline’, which showcases the singer’s regret over a failed relationship; ‘I’ve done you wrong, I regret it/ I write this song, try to forget it’. This are possibly some of the most personal lyrics of the EP, in that they are no doubt relatable to most people, and this feeling of mistake and regret is one that most people will have faced in their life. Sivan is no exception, and his vocals ooze emotion in the sincerest form, as the touching beat continues in the background.

The last track from the EP is Sivan’s ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, an ode to the book (and film) of the same name. Naturally, the lyrics focus on the relationship between two people (from the book) and the obstacles they face together, considering their illnesses and conflicts. It’s a heartfelt addition and it earns its place amongst the other great tracks from the EP. 

Although Sivan can certainly perfect elements to his delivery and rhythms, this third EP shows that the singer has a great deal of potential, and that he has the ability (and the team) to help make this happen. TRXYE is a surprisingly well-constructed EP, with strong substance and hazy electro beats that make for compelling listening that’s easy on the ears.