Joel Compass, the British crooner who gave us “Fucked Up” is heading into the celestial realms for his latest release. “Astronaut” is R&B tinged with angelic electronic production. Without ever allowing things to veer off into the realm of chintzy, Compass guides the metaphor of space-traveler-as-lover to a remarkably sexy climactic edge, then leaps off into deep space. Cathedral-ready harmonized chords at the end evoke a sense of the divine even when the song drifts into carnal territory. Keep an eye on this 19-year-old, he’s part of a rapidly growing electro-R&B contingent that are impossible to ignore. With only three songs out (watch the video for “Back to Me” here), it’ll be fascinating to see where else Compass decides to go.
