Up and Comers Music

Derek Palango’s “Icarus” is perfect music for fading into a trance. Blending several layers of guitar riffs and effects with shimmering synths and a straightforward beat, Palango brings us into a state of mind that feels like blissful solitude. If you’re in need of something to slow down and sink deeply into, Palango’s Icarus is a great place to go.

The song begins with just a drum beat and some unrecognizable spoken words, as Palango begins a gradual progression into the silken atmosphere of the song. When the first guitar riffs enter, everything suddenly makes sense; it feels like the point in a conversation where you nod your head as if to say “ah yes, I see exactly what you mean”. Palango effortlessly dances around on the frets on a peaceful motif until about a minute and a half in, where he decides to take a more dramatic turn. A dropout followed by heavier riffs feels triumphant for a little while, but the big moment doesn’t last. Palango puts a stop to it after about half a minute and gradually turns down the temperature back to the song’s original chilled out mood. He sticks with this laid back ambience for the remainder of the song, and things end in much the same way they began.

What stands out most in Icarus is Palango’s remarkable sense of balance. The guitar and synth effects are tastefully chosen, never getting out of control or taking the song away from its tranquil vibe. The mood change in the middle of the song elevates the intensity, but the sounds chosen fit seamlessly within the broader framework of the composition. Over the course of 4 minutes, Palango maintains a sense of total mastery over the flow of the music and keeps everything balanced to near-perfection. 

We commend Derek Palango for his sense of high musical IQ in Icarus and invite listeners to explore the song and remainder of his growing catalogue. Follow Derek Palango on Instagram to stay up on his latest. 

Follow the Up and Comers playlist for more exciting and emerging artists you probably haven’t heard of yet.