School Of X - Armlock

Rasmus Littauer is School of X. Having first appeared on the hype radar when he released the still impressive Faded. Dream. back in 2017, he has since released the aptly titled impressive second EP, 2019's Destiny. 2020 sees him shift up another gear as he heads from underground celebration into mainstream consciousness with his long-awaited debut album, Armlock.



While the title intimates something a little forceful, School of X doesn't need to turn to foul play to build his ever growing army of fans. For School of X is an intriguing, exciting and very diverse recording artist. Having shown over the course of his two EPs that his sound is shaped by a love of the ethereal as well as pop, rock, indie and folk, it is little surprise that his debut album mirrors this eclectic approach to build what is a truly cohesive collection.

Although School of X is still at the core a solo project, it does actually contain several collaborations, which in turn adds new dimensions to his sound. At heart, Armlock is an impressive set of love songs, but the focus is not just purely on the love of the romantic persuasion. Instead what School of X has crafted is more universal, an exploration of self-love and in turn, self-betterment.

The collection opens with the questioning anthem Where Do I Start, which is a natural kick-off point. It shows what is to be expected thematically of the record, while also bringing to the fore the immediate marriage of a pop sensibility with something more distinctive. Yet most importantly it showcases the distinctive ability to disarm and alarm by building into a hypnotic climax.

The album continues in this vein, bringing with it echoes of everyone from Semisonic to to Annie Lennox, Bleachers to FRAADs, Primal Scream to Blanche, even Sade and Whitney Houston. Yet it doesn't ever emulate any of these artists. In an exploration of the self, it stays true to a sound School of X has previously crafted, but just expands it further into an even more impressive realm.

While it is nigh on impossible to pick out an album highlight, there are clear breakout radio hits in the mix - the Lord Siva featuring Collarbone and epic Rivers. However, do not focus on these tracks as highlights, for this in a record to fully immerse yourself in and enjoy on repeat from start to finish.



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