Emergence from the Shadows: Russell Rohan's Debut Masterpiece

"Stepping Out of the Grey Phase" - A Journey of Artistic Rebirth with Exceptional Production Value

What's good, Caboosies! In this edition, I'm doing another music review! I'm really excited to discuss this project, as it's one that's near to me and was put together by some underground artists who deserves some more shine. It’s titled “Stepping Out of the Grey Phase” x Russell Rohan.

A few years back, I met another "Austin" through a music production subreddit. We hit it off, starting sending projects back and forth, and now we talk almost daily. He's been the producer on several tracks I've put out, but he was the EC of this tape.

Austin (aka Scaliper) and his friend, Russell Rohan (formerly known as Kai Taylor), worked on this new age LP over the course of 2023 and were able to release it back in November. While it's taken me a bit to get to the reviewing stage, it was well-worth the wait! 

"Stepping Out of the Grey Phase" is an incredible debut for Rohan, marking his artistic rebirth and moving away from his former alias, Kai Taylor. He goes so far as to mention this explicitly on the project – something I appreciate! 

My first encounter with Rohan's music was through Scaliper. We tried collaborating on a rock/trap beat, but our respective visions didn't quite mesh. Months later, Scal sent the same beat back, now featuring Rohan's vocals, and it blew me away. That same song, "Haunts Me," is a standout on the record. 

This track, like many others on the album, reveals Rohan's emotional turmoil, discussing deep pain, suicidal thoughts, drug use, and a haunting of his soul. He speaks of forgotten prayers and striving to be a better man... not only for himself, but for those he holds dear.  "Lost Boy" further delves into Rohan's pain, as he writes about seeking his mother's prayers and struggling for self-control amid overwhelming anxiety.

Rohan's style is a unique blend of sad boy/emo hip-hop, capturing his individuality. He mixes styles from Iann Dior, Juice WRLD, Lil Tracy, and Dominic Fike. The Dominic Fike feel is particularly evident in "Lovin' You," with its upbeat vocals over a mellow melody. In contrast, "300 Minutes" dives into rock-style instrumentals with despondent vocals, exploring the trials of long-distance love.

The album features interludes where Rohan openly discusses his journey and intentions. While not an recess itself, "In the Moment" mirrors this theme, addressing struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and fleeting time, and urging his love to stay present in the moment. I love that he's so open about himself and his psyche, allowing us to relate to him on a deeply personal level. That's the thing about good music, man... it creates that connection to other humans we'll likely never meet, but they reach us, albeit sonically, in a way that a close friend would. 

"Stepping Out of the Grey Phase" concludes with Rohan holding "a guitar in one hand and a bible in the other," symbolizing his departure from Kai Taylor. Rohan wraps up the project with its low-key, somber melody and introspective lyrics, delving into his inner struggles and his religious awakening, all without being preachy. It's a reflection of his journey as a person and artist, recognizing a divine vision he hadn't seen before stepping out of that wretched grey phase.

Lastly, the production quality of "Stepping Out of the Grey Phase" is nothing short of remarkable. The meticulous attention to detail in blending various musical elements creates a cohesive and immersive experience. 

Each track is finely-crafted, balancing Rohan's raw, emotional lyrics with sophisticated soundscapes. From the haunting echoes in "Haunts Me" to the smooth, rhythmic flow in "Lovin' You," the production elevates the album, showcasing not just Rohan's artistic evolution but also the skillful artistry behind the scenes. This project stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful and innovative production in bringing an artist's vision to life. Scaliper – you, once again, showed why you're top class! 

Tracklist: 

The Journey

Haunts Me

Lost Boy

A New Direction (Interlude One)

Lovin' You

300 Minutes

In the Moment

The Next Step (Interlude Two)

The Grey Phase

May you appreciate this work as much as I did... until next time on The Caboose!