Andrew Veeder on November 4th, 2014

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Los Angeles native Tavian Lewis has been singing since he was 4 and writing since middle school, but has only paired the two recently with his new musical project, PhoenixBlood. Drawing inspiration from Lana Del Rey and Phantogram, Lewis’ lyrics are desolate and raw, opting to “write about the darker aspects of life that people like to pretend don’t exist” in the abstract, but still chock full of emotion and imagery. The first track to emerge is the dynamic “Hollow Man,” produced by another Angeleno, David Riff, whom Lewis met this summer after he inquired about a Crystal Castles remix Riff dropped in a NoHo set and they exchanged info. Over a dark and hypnotic beat that morphs with a wobbly synth line and percussion snaps, crackles and pops, Lewis sings, “Can’t you feel these hollow hands / Broken dreams fill all my plans / No one senses when I stand / I am just a hollow man,” with an aching despair that surges as the song progresses. The two are collaborating on other material as Lewis continues working on songs for his debut EP, “Magneto,” slated for release in the new year.

||| Stream: “Hollow Man”