Alexa Joan Rae - RAMPAGE

Alexa Joan Rae

RAMPAGE
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Jerrica Tisdale

Alexa Joan Rae entered the entertainment world as an actress, whose career took her to New York City, Orlando and then eventually Los Angeles. LA showed Rae her true calling: music. She quickly focused on her musical advancement by teaching herself the piano and writing original songs. Rae's first EP Rampage showcases her strong lyrical voice as it starts to take form.

Rampage blends pop and alternative with hints of acoustic and electro-dance sounds. The album gives listeners an intimate introduction into Rae's artistic voice and possible personal struggles. Rampage embraces discussing challenging, serious topics like domestic abuse and societal pressures.

Rae could also title the Rampage EP "Who I Am," because so many of the tracks feel like a private glimpse into Rae's world. Coincidentally, she named one of the tracks on Rampage "Who I Am." The song gives a Paramore-esque tone, while discussing idle gossip and misjudgments. "Who I Am" makes a firm declaration about self-acceptance.

"Be Gone" contains a similar message as "Who I Am" but with a completely different tone. The track's dance beats give it an edger tone than other songs on Rampage. It sounds like the most radio ready song with lots of sound and voice effects, and varying instrumental usage. "This Girl" operates on the opposite spectrum of "Be Gone." "Be Gone" has a bit of cocky confidence to it, while "This Girl" is more of a humble song about love, flaws and human duality. It is the most vulnerable track on Rampage.

"What You Said" is a goose bump inducing tale of an abusive relationship from the child's perspective. The beats rely heavily on the drums to create a monotone sound, which allows Rae to stretch her vocals in a raw and emotional way. It haunts you.

Rampage allows Rae to explore an assortment of musical genres, while tackling some of life's most pressing issues. With Rampage, Rae created a thought-provoking album with strong melodies and catchy hooks.

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