Porter Robinson - Russian Roulette Review

After the first listen I immediately liked this song more than “Knock Yourself Out XD.” After a few more plays I think I like it more than “Cheerleader.” It feels like it has so many influences it draws from, and I think Porter does a good job of balancing them and making them fit well together. Initially, it takes that Death Cab for Cutie/ early Panic! at the Disco and maybe even some Passion Pit sounds. Eventually, it feels like he draws from some American Football mixed with some Nurture. This culminates in an amazing trance-like drop just waiting to be remixed. It’s interesting and chaotic but it works.

The section where he sings “ I wanna ____,” feels like it goes on just a little too long, but other than that minor nitpick I enjoy this thoroughly. I like all the lyrics in these singles. This one is a little silly and tongue-in-cheek at moments, but it works well with the whole message. The drop at the end of the song is amazing and that should’ve been longer. You get such a lengthy build-up and an insane drop, but it feels like it ends right as it begins. This has me wondering what comes next for Porter post-Smile! because I can see a natural progression toward something more dreamy or shoegaze like Souvlaki or Loveless and it makes me hyped for the next couple of years, but to be fair I can also see him going more towards hyper-pop or just plain old bubblegum pop.  All in all, great song, and still excited for this cringe, emo-influenced, “I’m a real musician that plays guitar” Porter era.