Independent Boston-based musician Kaveh Hodjat -better known by his musical moniker Dejima- is a psych-rock/alt-rock project he has been dabbling with for a number of years now. Due for release on April 18, 2024, Dejima has readied his latest and third EP, Swollen, for mass consumption for old and new fans alike.
Dejima's third EP, Swollen, is a mesmerizing journey through psych-rock landscapes that showcase the artist's evolution and experimentation while staying true to his sonic roots. Recorded in both his home in the forest of Santa Cruz and his apartment in downtown Boston, the EP's six tracks are a testament to Dejima's collaborative efforts with music producer Adam Thein (Djo, Slow Pulp, Moon Panda), resulting in a collection of songs that feels both innovative and familiar.
The title track, "Swollen," sets the tone with its dreamy, shoegazey intro that transitions into a funky, nostalgic instrumental section, reminiscent of a bulk of the rock music in the '70s and '80s. "It Was Nice To Have Met You" follows with its methodical psych-rock vibe, highlighted by a compelling guitar solo.
"Change For You," a short yet spacey track, seamlessly flows into "Tastemaker," which takes listeners on a slow, bass-driven ride before showcasing a standout guitar and saxophone solo. "Need" opens with a simple guitar melody that builds into a dynamic, fast-paced piece, showcasing Dejima's vocal prowess and emotive delivery.
Closing out the EP is "Nothing To Run From," which is one more shoegaze, psych-rock tune with a captivating guitar outro and ethereal synth elements. Throughout the six tracks on Swollen, Dejima explores themes of anxiety, nihilism, and understanding the psyches of those around him, delivering his most vulnerable and candid work yet.
Overall, Swollen is a compelling EP that not only showcases Dejima's growth as an artist but also invites listeners into a world of introspection and sonic exploration. With its intricate instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics, Swollen is a must-listen for fans of psych-rock and indie music alike. Additionally, being Dejima's most ambitious project to date, he will release an accompanying short film for the EP on May 3, 2024. The film will feature five live performances of tracks first heard on Swollen. It was filmed in suburban New Hampshire by a group of thirty students in the dead of winter over the course of six days. The film's narrative is centred on the relationship of two brothers and the complications that come in tandem.