cashmere noose (Deluxe)

Alt-R&B star Blackbear brings sharp pop compulsions to decadent narratives. Over the rasping drum machines of “Sniffing Vicodin in Paris,” the Californian waxes nostalgic about getting high with an ex and decries the brattish vapidness of L.A.’s rich kids. Meanwhile, on the confessional “Sometimes I Want 2 Die,” the icy synths and heavily twisted vocals make his stark admissions of drug use and suicidal thoughts smash like a sledgehammer to the chest. It’s a captivating open book, penned by a hedonistic sinner.