DC's Jeff Draco has truly had a busy year. Between releasing four singles, embarking on his first tour, and playing major gigs like Firefly Music Festival, it's a wonder he has any energy left. As 2019 comes to a close, Draco is back with 2101, a new EP released November 15. Through six songs, we're whisked back to the sensations of summer so desperately missed as winter rolls around, providing the perfect soundtrack for a beachside bonfire. Still, 2101 isn't all fun and sunshine. Underneath the feel good facade is an album about the toll of heartbreak, and how we let that impact how we move on.
If there's one thing that Jeff Draco wants you to do when listening to his music, it's dance. 2101 stays true to the singer's signature dream rock that fans have come to love. It's near impossible not to want to move, yet love and longing still linger amongst the lyrics. Opening track "For Too Long" is party pop at its finest, yet articulates the frustrations of being in a relationship. Despite the upbeat 80's feel of songs like "Same Bed" and "Nothing Left to Say," there are still doubts within. Lyrics like "it took too long for me to tell you it's all a lie" and "something's got to feel out of place" highlight that uncertainty and make make it something faceable.
"Sunflower" eases up on the angst, bringing a bumping baseline and some sweet 70's feels as the record progresses. There is some chance of growth and rebirth for the relationship at hand, as Draco croons about sunflowers in bloom and hopes for reunion. 2101 closes with "Get You," a softer song practically made for driving down a highway late at night. As Draco questions, "What did I do to you?," we are left understanding just how hard leaving love really is. Still, as the EP itself goes to show, there's hope you can create something out of the ruins.
If you're looking for music to keep you going for the next couple of months, search no further. 2101 finds a balance between the melancholy of missing someone with the joy of having them around, resulting in songs that will have you moving nonetheless. It is one of the few heartbreak albums you dance all the way through, letting go of the bad times to make way for the good. One thing remains clear, though: Jeff Draco is growing as a songwriter, and as a person too. His abilities as a musician are expanding, as well as his experiences as a fellow human trying to figure everything out. Hopefully, it only continues.
Words by Carly.
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