Golden Features’ second album, Sisyphus, serves as a creative response to the mental challenges and artistic turmoil experienced by the Australian talent since his debut album SECT in 2018. Embracing his Greek heritage, Golden Features delves into the philosophical aspects of the Sisyphus myth, exploring the concept of the hedonic treadmill and capturing the repetitive nature of the human experience through his sonic creations.
The album commences with the haunting and restless narrative of sleep deprivation in the track ‘Vigil’, then transitions into the syncopated synth melodies of ‘Touch’ and the rhythmic arpeggiations of ‘Yield’. Sisyphus weaves through immersive sounds and escapist atmospheres, touching upon themes of solitude and anxiety in tracks like ‘Ether’ and ‘Butch’. Golden Features collaborates with Australian electro-pop singer Rromarin, who lends her ethereal vocals to ‘Touch’, ‘Endit’, and ‘Yield’, while the renowned female techno artist Louisahhh adds her distinctive style to ‘Vapid’. Notably, Golden Features also showcases his own vocal talents in ‘Vigil’ and ‘Butch’.
Sisyphus draws inspiration from Golden Features’ pre-pandemic experiences, specifically the nights he spent in vibrant Berlin clubs. Prior to the global closure of clubs due to COVID-19, Golden Features immersed himself in the underground scene, rediscovering his passion on the dancefloors of renowned techno hotspots like Tresor and Renate. These electrifying environments rejuvenated his sonic inspiration, and Sisyphus reflects this revitalization. Tracks such as ‘Vapid’ and ‘Flesh’ encapsulate the industrial and unconventional tones associated with Berlin’s shadowy nightclubs. With transcendent melodies and hypnotic basslines, these songs transport listeners to imaginary dancefloors, evoking the energy and atmosphere that fueled Golden Features’ creative resurgence.
