On her debut EP, renowned animator and visual artist Nathania Rubin’s solo project, Agora Sci-Fi, tackles existential disillusionment through a warm blanket of nineties alternative stylings. Each track is formed on a bed of determined bass lines and tom-heavy rhythms, layered with crunchy, warbled guitars as vocals glide overtop, exploring the themes of change and adolescence in light of adulthood.
What grabbed me about this release is Rubin’s ability to evoke a mature angst, a comfortable disappointment, an eerie complacent regret that is so palpable and inherent in the human experience that I felt immediately spoken to. “portals” perfectly straightforward execution introduces the listener to the world of Agora Sci-Fi. From a simple and irresistible vocal melody, Rubin lays out the story of an artist reminiscing on what could have been from their younger years with a band. An experience that probably everybody in the DIY scene is familiar with. The wistful tone of the song is elegantly accented by its light and flowing chorus that alleviates bits of the lyrics’ existential worry. This is a characteristic that Rubin nails throughout this project. Matching a forlorn acceptance with a hint of dreamlike achievability.
Agora Sci-Fi splatters drops of hope throughout her performance as she explores the juxtaposition of childhood freedom with monotonous shackles of adult life on “tabs”, or when she comes to grips with her relationship with the attention economy on “sloppy”. Both of which feature roaring fuzz bass as they float between calmer moments. Feeling reminiscent of bands like Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, and Cocteau Twins.
Rubin closes out the world of Agora Sci-Fi with “to be free,” which feels like if Mazzy Star’s “Look On Down From The Bridge” went off the deep end and threw booming kicks and explosive bass on the second half. The track’s feather-light vocal melodies evoke a sense of understood resignation as the project comes to an end. Rubin also crafted animations that pair with each song on YouTube, which is a great way to do another listen through the project. Overall, this is a very strong, initial outing for Agora Sci-Fi. It feels authentic, cathartic and expertly nuanced as it leaves me yearning for more of its contemplative and comfortable world.
Written by Lando Flakes
