Wisconsin-based artist Unusual Demont is anything but ordinary. He’s seemingly passed on going through the motions — achieving a level of self-awareness and grace that only he’s able to cultivate.
Demont’s calling? The music. It defines his very essence at every point — bleeding through each crevice of his 8-track debut EP, Hues.
With over half a million Spotify monthly listeners, Demont’s following only keeps growing. With a heavenly singing voice — at times reminiscent of the great Frank Ocean — Hues is a refined, retrospective view of his thoughts, feelings and fears. As a kaleidoscope of captivating verses, Demont’s colorful and eclectic style continually melds the confines of what’s considered alternative, pop, hip-hop and R&B over the course of the record.
Longing for a love that reciprocates his effort, Demont finds relatability in the semi-tones of heartbreak, realization and ultimately becoming a better man for himself. The project’s lead single “VANTA” is an announcement of his troubles — comparing himself to his ex-lover’s new flame. Blaming himself for their falling out, Demont oozes emotion at every turn — finding solace in a silver lining on “Ivory.”
On tracks like “Ivory” and “Purple,” Demont ceases to hold back his innermost thoughts, crooning over guitar-infused ballads with simple, yet momentous percussion. Hard-hitting and heartbreaking, Demont’s efforts for self-improvement constantly battle toiled feelings for his lover. However, he knows the truth, letting it guide him through his overwhelming sea of emotion.
I called your mama
She said we should work it out, girl
We should work it out
But she don’t know
That you’ve been gone for months
And you won’t even touch me, babе
And girl I know
You’re scared to give mе up
‘Cause someone to you love is pain
Unusual Demont — “Purple”
Appreciate it 💛 I recorded purple at like 10am right when I woke up and when I was done recording the screams for it my pops yelled at me for yelling in the house, worth it though ig lmaoo
— HUES. OUT NOW 💛❤️💙 (@unusualdemont) September 20, 2021
Demont strikes a conflicting balance of moving on for the better and staying for “better or worse,” showcasing throughout the record that he wears his heart on both sleeves.
Vulnerable and vivacious, Demont finds strength on standout tracks in “Pine” and “DAFFODIL,” soulfully letting his thoughts run wild — saying that the way he’s been treated doesn’t compare to how he’s treated his lover. “Pine” finds himself at a low point, going back to his lover over the track’s groovy baseline and melodic, airy bells. With angelic vocal stacks and a head-bobbing drum pattern, Demont “pines” for a hit within the track’s funk-infused nature.
Stuck in a lust-filled purgatory, Demont keeps crawling back even though he knows what’s best for him. This constant push-and-pull fuels the somber, hurtful nature the project portrays, as the Wisconsin native’s level of relatability feeds the heartbroken and tattered loves of past lifetimes.
On “Gold” — perhaps the most catchy track on the record — Demont grows impatient with his lover’s lack of reciprocity, saying that he’ll break up with her if that’s what will make her happy. It’s not only sad to see Demont longing for a fruitful relationship, but showcases the distinct maturity in his songwriting — able to translate stories from his life effortlessly into these tracks.
The production on Hues is colorful, glistening and shines as one of the most forward-thinking R&B records to date. Even remixing Danny Towers’ “What To Do” on “Amber,” Demont’s range is on full display — utilizing his upper register with echoed presets that seemingly melt in your headphones.
“Amber” is quintessentially the underlying motif of the record, as Demont sings flawlessly about being the “buzz” his lover was looking for — however, finds himself depreciating his own methods of showing it.
And you need me more
I can’t adore
The way you feel for me
I’ll leave you bored
Far less than more
I wish I’d left you be
Unusual Demont — “Amber”
“BLUSH” is Hues’ glimmering outro with a trio beat switch-ups, low-flow R&B synths and a piano progression that lifts Demont to total realization. Finally understanding his worth, this summer fling ends with Demont coming face-to-face with the truth. Stuck in a cycle of feeling obligated and alone, he leaves things “out of sight and out of mind” — hoping his lover helps herself while he’s left to pick up the pieces.
Hues is simply iridescent — packed to the brim with relatable anecdotes and gorgeous production throughout. If there’s anything the up-and-coming singer can’t do, it’s leave things unsaid, as Demont finds that life isn’t about what’s black or what’s white, but the grayness — or rather Hues — it presents in every moment.
Stream the must-listen ‘Hues’ by Ununsual Demont below!
