In a world where music often feels increasingly homogenized, Son Lux consistently defies expectations. With their upcoming EP, Risk of Make Believe, set for release on January 17 via City Slang, the experimental trio once again invites listeners into their kaleidoscopic universe. This release, following their Academy Award-nominated work for Everything Everywhere All at Once, is a testament to their ability to merge profound emotionality with avant-garde soundscapes. The EP's second single, “Don’t Say It’s Too Late,” features the lush orchestral arrangements of Grammy-winning string arranger Rob Moose (known for collaborations with Bon Iver, Paul Simon, and yMusic). The track embodies the essence of a winter ballad—bittersweet yet tender, an interplay of longing and hope that seems to teeter on the edge of resolution. Ryan Lott’s poignant vocals, layered over intricate electronics and Moose’s strings, create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and otherworldly.

The titular track, “Risk of Make Believe,” takes a more meditative approach. A slow-burning composition, it unfolds with a deliberate patience that mirrors its theme of self-reflection and change. Drums, filtered through a vocoder, offer an ethereal backbone, while Ian Chang and Rafiq Bhatia weave in a delicate interplay of rhythm and melody. “What’s the risk of make believe?” Lott sings, the question lingering in the air as tessellations of guitar and crystalline harmonies form a musical meditation. The back half of the EP ventures into more introspective territory. “Cocoon” unfolds over seven minutes, echoing Son Lux’s earlier work with its spare, cyclical form and gradual transformation. Layers of detuned Tunis drums and prepared guitars peel away like a chrysalis, revealing a choir of evolving vocals—a metaphor for change and renewal.

The EP’s closer, “Take Your Time With Me,” is a masterful slow-burn anthem. It combines the trio’s penchant for experimentation with accessible pop sensibilities. Spacious soundscapes give way to bursts of vibrant energy, driven by Chang’s drumming, which alternates between chaotic abstraction and visceral, groove-heavy beats. Son Lux’s journey from Ryan Lott’s solo project to a cohesive trio with Rafiq Bhatia and Ian Chang has been marked by constant reinvention. From their early electronica-infused records like At War with Walls & Mazes to the genre-bending trilogy Tomorrows, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of sound. Their work on Everything Everywhere All at Once solidified their reputation as composers capable of threading emotional complexity through experimental textures.

Yet, beneath the avant-garde veneer, Son Lux’s music is deeply human. Tracks like “Easy,” sampled by Lorde and later G-Eazy, and the haunting “Dangerous” showcase a knack for crafting emotionally resonant songs. Their willingness to explore themes of vulnerability, loss, and transformation makes their work both relatable and profound. Risk of Make Believe doesn’t just ask its listeners to hear—it invites them to feel and think. What does it mean to take risks in imagining a different version of ourselves? How do we navigate the tension between longing and the fear of change? These questions resonate not only in the lyrics but also in the EP’s structure, with its oscillation between tension and release, restraint and exuberance.

In “Cocoon,” for example, the gradual unfurling mirrors the process of personal metamorphosis. Can we find beauty in the slow, often painful process of shedding our former selves? Meanwhile, “Don’t Say It’s Too Late” reminds us of the fragility of connection and the power of reconciliation. How do we balance patience with urgency in our relationships? Beyond the music itself, Son Lux’s story adds another layer of intrigue. From Ryan Lott’s early NPR accolades as Best New Artist to the trio’s Academy Award-nominated work, their trajectory reflects a refusal to conform. They’ve collaborated with a wide array of artists, from Lorde to Mitski to David Byrne, each partnership adding another facet to their identity.

Their work also raises questions about the evolving role of music in storytelling. The Everything Everywhere All at Oncesoundtrack, with its 49 tracks spanning chaotic punk to serene classical, highlighted how music can transcend its role as background accompaniment to become a central narrative force. Risk of Make Believe is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to Son Lux’s commitment to growth and experimentation. As they prepare to release this EP, fans and newcomers alike have a chance to reflect on the risks inherent in transformation—both in art and in life. Son Lux doesn’t promise easy answers, but that’s precisely what makes their music compelling. In a world where certainty often feels like the ultimate goal, their willingness to embrace ambiguity and ask difficult questions is a gift. What’s the risk of make believe? Perhaps it’s the risk of discovering something entirely new.