LA-based singer Dominic Fike gives his audience an album stuffed with summer bangers and melodic ballades reminiscent of teenage years. With the release of “Sunburn”, Fike drifts further away from his reputation as a rapper. He continues his career with a similar style as when he emerged but with more singing. The 27-year-old has managed to stumble into HBO’s hit show Euphoria as the main character’s love interest, later beginning a relationship with the actress Hunter Schaffer. His time in Hollywood has had an effect on his music, however, “Sunburn” contains similar imagery as Fike’s 2018 debut.
After a slow start, Dom proves himself and his developing sound. His career was launched from a jail cell, where he wrote and composed the majority of his debut album. “Sunburn”, however, contains less rapping and leans towards smooth choruses. It is clear in his songwriting that he has assumed much more responsibility in his personal life after his release in 2018. “Sunburn” is less focused on attracting listeners and more so on personal growth and development. Since 2020, his current songs lack an element that makes them easy to sing along with and instead offer background music or a place to get lost in. Fike makes the listener feel as if they are underwater. His sound has shifted, a clear sign of his emotional development and maturity as an artist. The shift, however, does not accompany a lack of quality, but rather indicates a career with variety.
As a Florida native, Fike pays homage to his roots throughout his music but also possesses a distinct West Coast Sound. This includes hints of auto-tune, the clean tone of his guitar, and even elements such as synthesizers and drum pads. Fike collaborates with fellow indie artist Remi Wolf on “Bodies”, temporarily adopting a silly gait. Unlike his 2020 project, Fike proves himself as a progressive vocalist. He leans towards a steel-string acoustic guitar and occasional nylon-string or classical guitar, both of which are more traditional to folk music rather than rap or R&B. He stays current by blending acoustic sounds with funky keys and conversation samples, like in “Dark”. At its core, “Sunburn” sounds like a trip to Florida’s coast.
Although “Sunburn” is not particularly “GOAT” tier, Dominic Fike prevails again as a talented guitarist and moves towards melodic ballads coupled with radio-worthy hits. His rhymes are laced with references to his home state and family relationships. He traverses topics such as his time in jail, financial strain, and struggles within his family primarily in an ode to his mom, “Mama’s Boy”. Fike upholds his reputation as a talented lyricist and backs up his tracks with acoustic guitar riffs and raw sounds of respiration. “How Much is Weed?”, the album’s opening track, is a sharp intro into the strange world of Dominic Fike. The audience plunges into Fike’s mellow bars and explicit content. However, unlike many rappers in the spotlight, he maneuvers with ease: first sucking the listener in, then revealing the cruelties of reality. Whereas others such as NLE Choppa, J. Cole, or even Kendrick Lamar feature high volume and harsh content, Fike’s style is less intrusive as he often uses vocal effects that soften the edges. Because he is more low-key, Fike’s “Sunburn” will probably act as such: initially penetrating, but soon fading.
His new project is gaining some traction due to its timely release. Fike’s songs, such as “Ant Pile” and “Dancing in the Courthouse” contain catchy electric guitar hooks. This, coupled with his nostalgic and youthful lyrics, attract younger listeners. He traverses topics such as first dates, sexual tension in school, and problems with money with ease, not with the eye of a man that is twenty-seven. The majority of the tracks on “Sunburn” present themselves as addictive, the type of music one wants on a summer night. Although the timing is prime, Fike’s new project is being swept aside in favor of other summer singles including those of Olivia Rodrigo, Post Malone, and Noah Kahan. As well as being overshadowed, “Sunburn” is not the sort of music that is long-lasting due to its less hearty and unsubstantial content. The production is almost cliché – drum pad, loud vocals, and other random effects. However, it does provide songs par for a morning walk or something to divert the mind, as well as grab the attention of adolescents.
Fike targets a young audience. Due to lyrics describing coming of age, his appearance on the teen show Euphoria, and the inclusion of his song “Mona Lisa” in Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse, an audience ages 10-20 gravitate towards Fike. He also has a strong social media presence, including his own Instagram account featuring teasers for new music and his recent fashion as well as TikTok edits thirsting over the performer. Artists today, including Fike, take advantage of social media and produce content outside of music in order to keep young listeners engaged.
Dominic Fike’s third studio album, “Sunburn”, offers material for young listeners that will likely be temporary and, other than the singles off the album, is unlikely to top charts. Fike proves himself as a vocalist while maintaining his reputation as a valid lyricist and rapper, while also incorporating details from his adolescence. This, coupled with crisp guitar riffs, is a key point of attraction for listeners. Since his last release in 2020, Fike has made his way out of his shell and is less eager to please critics. He has grown significantly in three years and his emotional progress is clearly reflected through his music.
Spotlight Tracks – How Much Is Weed?, Pasture Child, Frisky
MAGGIE STEWART 