London-based producer Nabihah Iqbal — known musically as Throwing Shade — has created a pop-infused electronic EP that explores modern themes with nostalgic '80s synth sounds. While House of Silk's opening track "Hashtag IRL" provides commentary on the dissociative state of those who become lost in social media, it's too lyrically blunt to be unique, and the repetitive nature of the track makes it unpleasant to listen to at times. Iqbal's voice, meanwhile, complements the song's robotic themes, but is out of place with the EP as a whole.
The rest of House of Silk, however, is progressive and lovely, highlighting Iqbal's production skills. She's undoubtedly best at creating floating compositions that evoke iridescent visuals, starting with "Marble Air," whose abrupt end is disappointing. "Ecco Echo" is wonderfully '80s sounding, and would work well as cinematic background music, slightly eerie and exploratory thank to its keyboard parts. This eeriness continues into "Fear of Silence," in which Iqbal provides simple melodies that align with sporadic percussion. She finishes with "Underneath My Eyelids," where a humming quality lures listeners into a relaxed state, bringing House of Silk to a playful end via softly bouncing synth notes.
(Ninja Tune)The rest of House of Silk, however, is progressive and lovely, highlighting Iqbal's production skills. She's undoubtedly best at creating floating compositions that evoke iridescent visuals, starting with "Marble Air," whose abrupt end is disappointing. "Ecco Echo" is wonderfully '80s sounding, and would work well as cinematic background music, slightly eerie and exploratory thank to its keyboard parts. This eeriness continues into "Fear of Silence," in which Iqbal provides simple melodies that align with sporadic percussion. She finishes with "Underneath My Eyelids," where a humming quality lures listeners into a relaxed state, bringing House of Silk to a playful end via softly bouncing synth notes.
