Elio Quest has married two somewhat contrasting genres, with his newest single, “City.” With a rich falsetto, Quest employs a New Wave influenced chorus, with a solo verse that he raps. It’s as unusual as it sounds, but it’s also wondrous and captivating. At two minutes in total length, the piece almost feels like an infomercial or a snippet of a full song. As for Quest, he is not a newcomer, nor has he reached his creative peak; but he shows exactly what he’s capable of with “City.”
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Born, Timothy Perez, Elio Quest began his musical career as a drummer. It’s been a rather gradual process for him, as he would eventually evolve into being a songwriter and a vocalist. He was a member of SoCal based act, Dirtie Blonde, who opened for the likes of INXS, and Rhianna. His pedigree is undeniable, but it’s his humanity that shines on “City.” He chronicles a man who finds self-reflection in the city that made him who he is.
The city in question on Elio’s latest single, is of course the epicenter of expression, Los Angeles. In the short video for “City,” we see a shot of Quest standing outside the legendary Viper Room. Elio, like so many other L.A. based musicians, cut his teeth at venues like The Viper, The Whiskey A Go Go and The Roxy. His relationship with Los Angeles is likely as complex and fraught with vicissitudes as anyone who has ever spent significant time in it. “City,” feels like a tribute and a reconciliation of sorts.
Warm to the tomb/she said Elio it’s life/feel free to stick it where there’s room. The juxtaposition of musical stylings cannot be understated on this track. Quest embodies almost antithetical elements to arrive at one of the most unique works this reviewer has heard in some time. The artist is also savvy enough to not give too much away, leaving the audience curious for more in this case. After everything he’s learned from his time at the some of the highest levels in this industry, Quest still holds a poker face.
We in the city at night/in the rain. There’s a refreshing simplicity to “City,” that allows for the listener to make their own interpretation of the meaning. For Elio Quest, the City Of Angels is the site of the most pivotal moments in his life and Career. Anyone who has come to know L.A. beyond its superficial reputation, will develop a distinct relationship with it. It is quite possibly the most diverse city in the world, but is ironically defined by a single subsection.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/city/1616840982?i=1616840983
In 2010, Elio Quest would relocate to New York City, beginning an entirely new chapter in his life. For a child prodigy, who learned piano at the age of 5, Quest has come full circle. The music he is making now, is the most true to himself as an artist and a human being. But just like any morning in the big city, this is merely the start of a new day for Elio Quest. You can listen to “City,” on Spotify now.
Cleopatra Patel