DOOM HOLOGRAM: A Symphonic Soundscape of Genius

Doom Hologram EP

ScaryPoolParty

A Symphonic Soundscape

The EP is above all elegant, exquisite, and passionate. Each and every sound is filled with Alejandro’s love of sounds, of music. Each note is just as important as the other and even a grunt or silence. ScaryPoolParty is above all an ensemble of epic talent. Each musician was chosen for his specific gift and talent but above all their combined love of music has made this album even better in my opinion than EXIT FORM. The songs on DOOM HOLOGRAM may not be better, but the music is better. I hear a much more mature tapestry of sound.

Hollywood Records’ SVP of Global Marketing Robbie Snow explains the discovery process for Alejandro’s fanbase:

"The music of Scarypoolparty doesn’t fit into any box. Alejandro has a rare, raw talent that exudes authenticity. The best approach with supporting such talent is to give them the freedom to experiment and let the world catch up to their musical genius.” (https://hitsdailydouble.com/)

The Rumor Mill from HitsDailyDouble.com challenges everyone to:

“DIVE INTO SCARYPOOLPARTY'S DOOM HOLOGRAM!”

Shorefire.com calls DOOM HOLOGRAM

“…a gripping look into his creative genius…The eight tracks of Doom Hologram mesh modern electronics and experimental instrumentals with a dose of progressive nu-metal. The project’s title track is Aranda’s cry that despite the darkness of the world around him and the urge to run away, he will overcome.”

ScaryPoolParty’s sophomore album release comes as one good thing from this scary year of 2020. So far this has been a year filled with more than usual fear and unrest. DOOM HOLOGRAM is also filled with fear and unrest, but also so much love.

But maybe some of songs on DOOM HOLOGRAM might be better….

The journey which began on EXIT FORM with such pain and raw emotion is continuing on DOOM HOLOGRAM but now with a new-found hope for possibilities.

“Doom Hologram is a story from beginning to end,” said Alejandro. “It is a conceptual piece of music that spans from classical to pop to metal.” (https://www.mjsbigblog.com/)

DOOM HOLOGRAM’s special orchestral accompaniment is performed by Nu Deco Ensemble which includes musical greats: Jacob Collier, Ben Folds and Macy Gray.

Macy Gray

Ben Folds

Jacob Collier

“Nu Deco is a virtuosic and eclectic orchestra that creates genre-bending musical experiences, which inspire, enrich, and connect new and diverse audiences

and artists. As a flexible chamber ensemble, Nu Deco has the ability to execute a range of ground-breaking music generally unavailable to a full-size orchestra – with an emphasis on living composers, collaborations with cutting-edge artists from around the globe and reimagining classical works and musical explorations of popular artists with multi-genre influences. Nu Deco aspires to represent Miami on the world’s stage.” (YouTube.com)

I am in love with every song, every sound, and every ounce of sadness and especially every bit of peace and hope offered. DOOM HOLOGRAM begins with 2 of the most beautiful, most intense songs Alejandro & band has produced, then the psychedelic journey continues into every fiber of Alejandro’s soul.

“Return2Sender” (Alejandro Aranda, Keller Moore)

I already had “Return2Sender” on repeat every day since its release. It is a beautiful love letter of leaving. It begins with an update on the 10 Years girl, then he moved us into his mind how he sees the world with Fake Smiles, one of the most beautiful… oh damn, I’m going to say this about every song on this album. Every song is beautiful.

Alejandro says:

“Return2Sender was an old demo that I had that led into the whole concept of the EP. I wanted to make a song that was the beginning of the concept where an angel was stuck in a computer program. It’s just going through life through the [computer’s] user, watching them on social media and just seeing what the user does. It’s like a love song that has to do with heartbreak. I wanted to make a song that was in the space of a pop ballad in a way, with acoustic guitar and a nice melody. With some good help from my friend Keller Moore, we made that song.” (https://genius.com/ )

[Verse 1] I swear that I'm just moving on now, baby I swear that I just packed my things, moved on from you I tried my best to understand your states You take my words and break me down I wrote you letters just to say "I love you" And now I know that you would tear them all apart It's said and done Why won't you leave? [Chorus] Says that she wants me Then she straight leaves me There for another man Another man, now Says that she wants me Then she straight leaves me There for another man Another man, now [Verse 2] Throw the pictures off the wall Just remember when you called Told you that I didn't care but I was trying everywhere When you left that's why you broke Now I'm counting all my blessings Giving up, I'm not pretending And I'm drowning underneath And I'm crying on my knees Now my lover just left me here alone

[Chorus] Says that she wants me Then she straight leaves me There for another man Another man, now Says that she wants me Then she straight leaves me There for another man Another man, now

“Fake Smiles” (Aranda)

This has become my favorite track from DOOM HOLOGRAM. The underlying chord structure using three main chords throughout the entire song. The overlaying melodies are contagious as well as also based on the same chord structure. The ability to use only three chords throughout an entire work without being boring or sounding repetitive requires a master song writer, producer and engineer. DOOM HOLOGRAM obviously has all three. Alejandro describes his expansive, cinematic-style celebration:

“(I) wanted to tell a story of how the angel inside of the computer is seeing the end of the world happening—only it’s seeing it through movies. By the end of the track, it’s really dramatic and ends on a really aggressive guitar building on epic drums. I wanted that song to be really cinematic.” (https://genius.com/ )

[Verse 1] She said she left for heaven Here is a note for Kyle Would you be my John Travolta In that movie we watched Please hold my hand in the circus Don't let me go [Pre-Chorus] Will you watch the Earth explode With me Will you watch the Earth explode With me [Chorus] Fake smiles Fake smiles [Verse 2] Why did you tell me you loved me Then cursed all the souls you've hurt I'm fucking tired of being me Saving all that's worth I cannot imagine more lying Or being alone

[Pre-Chorus] Would you watch the Earth explode With me Would you watch the Earth explode With me [Chorus] Fake smiles Fake smiles Fake smiles Fake smiles 'Cause it's the end of the world And I can't live without you

“Angel Delete” (Aranda, Nu Deco Ensemble)

It begins with strings then transcends to grunge… and all the time the melodies within the soul of Alejandro cry out into the night. The grunge turns to another contagious chant which keeps me awake at night. The strings with tom-toms, grunge, chant and the vocal expressions by Alejandro combine to make Angel Delete another win. (Three in a row!)

Alejandro spoke about “Angel Delete”:

“I wanted to experiment with different genres that I listen to a lot. I’ve been listening to a lot of Deftones—just really heavy music. I felt like by “Angel Delete,” the angel is getting corrupted by stress [and] the vibes of the world from the internet. Naturally, it just gets more aggressive, and that was the reason I had more distorted guitars and heavier drums, but I kept the chorus lighthearted. Just like the first two songs, it’s an atonement. [The angel] still doesn’t know what it means, why the user is breaking up with somebody. It’s reaffirming that and trying to figure out what that means to a human being—just relationships in general and heartbreak.” (https://genius.com/ )

[Verse 1] Yeah My life is an ocean So let me drown I've fallen on your knife And my wounds get deeper Yeah, I'm falling Falling My universe is [?] My dream [?] [Pre-Chorus] Oooh You came, yet Stay away from me [Chorus] Baby, it's over Between me and you Baby, it's over Between me and you [Verse 2] You say that I will be saved but Won't get this liar, intruder to see I watched it [?] And become [?]

“Deathwave” (Aranda)

Alejandro reflects on “Deathwave”:

“Deathwave is cryptic in the lyrics, but I wanted to lean into the thought of something becoming evil. I always found certain genres of music can really tell that story. It was the easiest song I’ve written, as far as [how] fast I did it. I was trying to finish the EP, and that was the last track I made. I was like, “Ah, this fits perfectly into it.” All the vocals are done out of my MacBook. I didn’t even go to a studio for it or anything or have a nice microphone. I wanted to keep that vibe of the angels becoming more aware of what it’s like to have these crazy emotions. It’s like a wave of different things. That’s why there’s more screaming and more aggressive guitar.” (https://genius.com/ )

[Verse 1] [?] in the the water Something doesn't feel right [?] Tell me I'm alright So come on down I set fire to heaven And I burned too So hold me, please Hold me in your [?] Hold me [Chorus] Hold on till I break in two Hold on till I break in two Hold on till I break in two Hold on till I break in two Hold on till I break in two Hold on till I break in two Hold on till I break in two Hold on till I break in two

“Judas” (Aranda)

Alejandro says about “Judas”:

“Judas doesn’t necessarily have to do with religion. I’m not really a religious person, but I wanted to write a song of how an angel, someone that was from heaven, had this thought of someone he once knew, almost like losing his mind and not believing it. That’s why the chorus is like, “I swear I’m not fine.” He’s swearing to himself that he’s not fine, that he’s not OK seeing these images. The whole song is basically just around something getting corrupt.” (https://genius.com/ )

[Verse 1] Jesus of Nazareth Why do you ignore Judas? He was your friend and poison too Now he really wants to destroy you Bury myself inside my tongue Freaking out Lucius of fun Now I'm just dead inside your tomb Making my bed and calling you Hey, hey, you, too [Chorus] I swear I'm not fine I swear I'm not fine I swear I'm not fine I swear I'm wasting all my time I swear I'm wasting Time [Verse 2] Now in my imagination Feeling like the world is burning away Angels are falling from heaven They told me that I shouldn't watch I want to stay I want to stay I want to stay

“Sun Moon Earth” (Aranda)

Alejandro says about this track:

“Originally, I had this really wild interlude that was like 18 minutes long. I was like, “Let me try to make a track that has to do with the complexity of a soundscape.” There’s a really busy bassline, [and] there’s a piano solo, but I wanted to make a song that led into the rhythm section—the drums are the main storyteller.” (https://genius.com/ )

Please bring me Bring me down Please bring me Bring me down Please bring me Bring me down Please bring me Bring me down Please bring Bring me down Please bring Bring me down Please bring me Bring me down Please bring me Bring me down Please bring Bring me down Please bring Bring me down

“Doom Hologram” (Aranda, Lucas Silveira, Nu Deco Ensemble)

Remember you can never assume how any song by ScaryPoolParty begins will be the way it transpires from one style to another. DOOM HOLOGRAM begins with screeching sounds which morphs into a brilliant sampling of “Hey Mama” which has always been one of my favorite tidbits of Alejandro’s library. It then explodes with ScaryPoolParty’s amazing jazz fusion. I remember seeing his animated video of “Hey Mama” and thinking what a nightmarish memory of his or an unknown’s childhood. I actually had very similar childhood memories. And now it is part of Doom Hologram, an epic journey into someone’s nightmare life. Alejandro’s?

In addition to Alejandra we hear Lucas Silveira.

* Lucas Cesar Lima Silveira is a Brazilian musician. He is lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and main songwriter of the Brazilian rock band Fresno. (Wikipedia)

Alejandro speaks about this epic homage to the tragedies of life:

“Doom Hologram is like the political climate of the program going through news, going through daily life and what’s happening around the world. The main theme of that song was to run away from any kind of hate, any kind of behavior that the world leads you to sometimes. You’re just running away from it, and you’re trying to find freedom. The main point of the EP is the Doom Hologram: It’s a hologram of what’s trying to scare you, and it’s really not there. You have to run away from it or go find a different path.” (https://genius.com/ )

[Verse 1: Scarypoolparty] I've seen my own brother getting beaten By police officers on the weekend I've seen my own father traits in myself When I'm looking for a heartbeat Yeah I've seen my own family looking out for help I've seen my mother breaking down from the hell I'm just trying hard to figure out just for myself I'm running away from [Chorus: Scarypoolparty] I'm running away From you I'm running away From you I'm running away From you [Verse 2: Lucas Silveira*] E dói lembrar Ferida que não quer fechar E não há Terra Sobreviva a guerra Vou sobreviver Superar você Canto até morrer Isso me faz Diferente de você “And it hurts to remember

(Wound that does not want to close

And there's no Earth

Survive the war

I'm going to survive

Get over yourself

I sing till I die

It makes me

Different from you” [Translation from Portuguese])

[Chorus: Scarypoolparty & Lucas Silveira] I'm running away From you I'm running away From you I'm running away From you”

“Paradox” (Aranda, Nu Deco Ensemble)

“Paradox” ends the EP with a composition which begins with the frenzy of 2020 and then suddenly after the helter-skelter cacophony the confusion ends and the most beautiful piano concerto I ever imagined Debussy to compose ends the EP with hope, beauty, peace and love – everything 2020 hasn’t been.

Alejandro says:

“I had seen daily news articles about just money in general, people being obsessed with it, so I made that song with that idea. Basically, the angel has seen so much in this computer and on the internet. The main corruption that causes the root of evil is money, so it’s going through this crazy wave of aggression and hate. It’s trying to leave the greed for money and get into a better place of mind. The beginning part is super aggressive, but by the end, it leaves, and it’s out on its own. It’s not being held captive anymore.” (https://genius.com/))

[Verse 1] [?] I try my best to understand [?] [?] bloody chest I pray to the angel in the sky Already brought to you Scream in agony Even though my heart is barely [?] [Chorus] (screaming) [Verse 2] The Earth will destroy itself Money placed on higher things Running will turn into a crawl I've seen the light I've seen the light I've seen the light in the tunnel I've seen the light I've seen the light I've seen the light in the tunnel [Chorus] (screaming)

After finally completing an entire beginning to end with no breaks, I sent a message to Sarah J. Hoffman, my mentor and manager of ScaryFanParty, the moment I could tear myself away from being transfixed by DOOM HOLOGRAM:

“To be honest I am so overwhelmed by DOOM HOLOGRAM that I can't get out of ScaryPoolParty’s genius. Every song on this album is a work of art. THIS is the one! I totally believe this could win the Grammy. I went online within hours of the album's release just to acquire info and already there were many reviews of the album. Everyone was glowing. So that makes this one 100% different than Exit Form (unfortunately)... but what I am saying is that I am experiencing a moment in time which was just like the time my friend Jim & I bought Sgt. Pepper's the first day of release (I was 15) and spent the entirety of the album without a word. Reading the words on the LP cover and listening to sounds which I had never heard before and they were amazing. I am caught up in DOOM HOLOGRAM the way I was in 1967. I can't get past the first four songs without taking a break. He is killing it, Sarah. He made one of the most beautiful albums I have ever heard in my life. Equal to TOMMY, Chicago Transit Authority, Sgt. Peppers, Pet Sounds, Rubber Soul, Who's Next... that level. How do the fuck do I tell that story while watching the clips from the drive-in concert - which was perfect, too! - and all this is capturing my total attention. He has done it to me again. Damn that boy! Lol”

p.s. I could list so many more albums like What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye) Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd), Iron Man (Black Sabbath), Achtung Baby (U2), Morning Phase (Beck) or Tea for the Tillerman (Cat Stevens) and so many more, so don’t get bent out of shape if I didn’t mention your favorites.

All of these artists contribute inspirational vibes and sounds to DOOM HOLOGRAM.

Thank you, Alejandro and fellow ScaryPoolParty virtuosos. I commend you on creating what I believe to be one of the best albums of the 21st Century. My favorite album since Beck’s MORNING PHASE, which I thought was the best album since U2’s ACHTUNG BABY. I’m saying ya’ll killed it. You did it. This one will hopefully gain you a deeper path through your journey in love with music.

My first, second, third, fourth and so on times listening to DOOM HOLOGRAM with headphones and a buzz on, I am once again overwhelmed with the music which comes out of this band of virtuosos. You must above all listen to this one with headphones and a complete desire to be overwhelmed and filled with so many beautiful, strange and wonderful sounds. The shear love of music – all kinds of music.

In these Days of the Coronavirus and racial unrest we need hope and above all love. We know this:

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13)

DOOM HOLOGRAM & SCARYPOOLPARTY share their:

Love of sound.

Love of technology.

Love for others.

Love of self.

Love of music.

I send you on behalf of all those in the world who think they are your grandmother, as well as the music community which you have inspired and which has inspired you – our love. You made music for all of us.