Jean Dawson's "Starface*" Is an Infectious Sonic Fireworks Show

image

Jean Dawson is on to something. With each new release, the Los Angeles-based experimental pop provocateur gives further credence to his undeniable one-of-a-kind vision that extends far beyond the realm of genre or simple classification. Rather, his music exists as a movement unto itself, belonging to him and all the kids who, like him, grew up feeling they didn't quite fit the mold.

Following a string of singles, "Starface*" arrives as the latest taste of Dawson's highly-anticipated debut album. Wasting no time at all, Dawson welcomes us with a brimming wall of sound and reverberant electric guitars that soon gives way to the equivalent of a sonic fireworks show. Even as the experimental pop provocateur's voice shifts between pained and impassioned, it is impossible not to get swept up in the infectious fervor on display.

In traditional Dawson fashion, "Starface*" is accompanied by an eye-catching visual. Incongruous imagery flashes by at a mile a minute, as if to match the song's stream of conscious approach. The final image sees Dawson enjoying an apple with a devilish grin in a scene evocative of Christ's last supper. What does it all mean? Your guess is as good as mine.

"Starface*" feels like just the beginning, and when it comes to Dawson, there is no telling what comes next.

Listen to "Starface*" below:

Related Articles

Theo Bleak Explores Interpersonal Relationships in Bad Luck Is Two Yellow Flowers

Theo Bleak Explores Interpersonal Relationships in Bad Luck Is Two Yellow Flowers

May 16, 2025 In her latest EP, Bad Luck Is Two Yellow Flowers, Theo Bleak, the musical alter ego of Dundee based Katie Lynch, explores her imaginings of her friend’s inner life.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
YUNGBLUD Is Unapologetically British and Laced with Chaos in Latest Brit-Rock Single  “Lovesick Lullaby”

YUNGBLUD Is Unapologetically British and Laced with Chaos in Latest Brit-Rock Single “Lovesick Lullaby”

May 12, 2025 The track is a fierce, uptempo burst of British attitude and emotional chaos, powered by edgy guitars, crashing drums, and Dominic Harrison’s unmistakable Doncaster drawl.
Author: Lucy Ward
Susannah Joffe’s “Call Me Pretty” Is a Smoky, Slow-Burning Ode to Wanting the Wrong Person

Susannah Joffe’s “Call Me Pretty” Is a Smoky, Slow-Burning Ode to Wanting the Wrong Person

May 7, 2025 “Call Me Pretty” tells the tale of a desperate love, more specifically, the feeling of hopelessly grasping for someone that, deep down, you know is bad for you.
Author: Chancey Stefanos