New Zealand teenager Lontalius first got his start by uploading atmospheric, sparse, and depressive covers of Drake and Ciara tunes. Since then, he's explored his own songwriting, choosing to write pop songs about the anxieties of growing up with his usual lo-fi tinge.
Two days ago, Lontalius finally unveiled his debut album, I'll Forgive 17—an homage to his favorite Frank Ocean song, "White." Simultaneously multi-dimensional and minimalistic, the project blends together the childlike wonder of whirring synths, the reflective bittersweet of R&B melodies, and the awkward lurch of indie rock. Although the narratives in his writing evoke the uncertainty that only a teenager could possess, his lethargic voice lays heavy and sure on top of the hazy bed of music.
Lontalius' debut album I'll Forget 17 is out now, streaming below. Watch him perform "Yr Heart Is Beating" live during his first trip to New York City.