Hyporadar’s "Frankie & Estelle" is a Lo-Fi odyssey of bold experimentation
On Frankie & Estelle, Hyporadar (aka Shane Duquette) delivers an audacious and artsy record that feels both intimate and boundary-pushing. Drawing from his influences—ranging from Mark Sandman’s smoky vocal tones to the experimental spirit of Steven Wilson—Duquette crafts a lo-fi, genre-blurring EP that rewards attentive listening. With its understated production, narrative lyricism, and eclectic instrumentation, this record feels like a dive into an avant-garde musical diary, where each track tells its own uniquely textured story.
The most immediately striking element of Frankie & Estelle is the vocal delivery. Hyporadar opts for a low-key, monotone style that sits deep within the mix, creating an atmosphere of introspection. The vocals feel less like the focal point of the songs and more like a voice in your head—a deliberate artistic choice that amplifies the EP’s introspective and storytelling vibe. This Sandman-inspired restraint gives the songs an artsy, almost hypnotic quality, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the lyrical narratives without distraction.
Instrumentally, Frankie & Estelle feels like a collision of classic rock, punk, and experimental rock. There’s a rawness to the sound that’s endearingly DIY yet thoughtfully arranged, with hints of Victor Wooten’s influence in the basslines and a playful, try-anything ethos driving the arrangements. The tracks move through moods effortlessly, oscillating between gritty, punkish energy and moments of softer, more reflective instrumentation. The sonic textures keep the EP engaging from start to finish, as it always feels like there’s something unexpected lurking around the corner.
The lyricism is where this project shines brightest. Each track on the EP tells a vivid, compact story, inviting the listener into a world that feels at once personal and universal. There’s a poetic quality to the writing, as if these songs are meant to be absorbed as much as they are heard. Hyporadar doesn’t shy away from emotional vulnerability or bold themes, making the EP resonate on a deeper level. It’s the kind of writing that lingers in the listener’s mind long after the final note fades.
What makes the record particularly compelling is its deliberate imperfection. Duquette’s commitment to exploring the unexpected and embracing a raw, lo-fi aesthetic sets this project apart from more polished releases. It’s an EP that invites the listener into its creative process, making every quirk and subtlety feel like an intentional part of its charm.
Hyporadar’s debut EP is not just a collection of songs—it’s a statement of artistic identity. With Frankie & Estelle, Duquette proves himself to be a bold storyteller and experimentalist, unafraid to carve out his own space in the music world. It’s a record that feels refreshingly human, full of flaws, risks, and brilliance, and it serves as a captivating introduction to an artist with something real to say.
Whether you’re kicking back after a long day or need to be inspired, for us, this record served plenty of different purposes. Go ahead and experience it for yourself and click those links below to follow along for more.
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