Every few years in the pop world, there is an artist that pierces through the all too common and generic sounds of the masses; an artist who isn’t afraid to speak their mind and approach touchy and controversial topics head-on.
Leandro is such an artist, and with the debut EP, «This is Protest Pop», the revolution can finally begin.
Beginning with the synthy intro on the lead single «Lava», Leandro sings the story of George Floyd, somewhat of an accidental martyr whose death sparked the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests around the globe. Though many musicians did reference Floyd’s death in their music at the time of his death, Leandro doesn’t pussyfoot around actually naming the man while singing about the fiery rage i.e. «Lava» that he and many people still feel towards the injustice.
Influenced by the sassy dance-pop beats of Britney Spears and using the gothic character of Stephen King’s «Carrie» as his muse, Leandro «represents the mounting fury both mine and the public towards racism and the social injustices that come with it».
Next comes the previous single «Da Vinci» another anthem rooted in electric resistance, this time an ode to the original Renaissance artist and the outcasted, silenced, and marginalised.
The space-themed «Alien DJ» is a little more light-hearted lyrically, following the story of a funky, Martian alien DJ that saves someone from the mundane, yet dangerous world. Still, the song touches on a racial injustice Indigenous folks face every day while sounding like a song that should be blaring loud at the club—classic Leandro
«Xoul Cadillac» keeps up the same funky tempo with its heavy 80s rock feel and has some very interesting and thought-provoking harmonies near its outro.
«Transmutation» ends the «This is Protest Pop» EP and cuts like alchemical fire, once again leaving the listener feeling anxious and reactionary about the whirlwind of a year 2020 was. Yes, «This is Protest Pop» may be Leandro‘s first big release, but it is one that is meant to be heard and discussed for quite some time.
Take a listen to an EP filled with colourful Leandro vocals in catchy pop songs – that is «This is Protest Pop» described in words.
