HXV is a pioneer in the electronic trap scene. While the genre tends to centre around a turnt up culture, celebrating alcohol and drug use, ‘Novocaine’ takes a different approach. The track has a more melancholy feel as Naz Tokio’s beautifully haunting vocals are sung from the perspective of the drugs themselves. The undeniable pull draws upon HXV’s own fight through drug and alcohol addiction. The builds pack a sense of longing, a dark desire for something to get you up. As the drop hits it’s like a shot, sniff or hit. The longing is filled with an intense euphoric feel but it’s short lived. The voice brings you back into the darkness and you’re craving that high once more and HXV delivers. As the track nears it’s end, it builds once more, but the intense drop never comes. It’s that feeling that that high is never quite the same and constant use numbs it’s intensity. ‘Novocaine’ is perfectly produced, but what’s more impressive is the fresh outlook on drug use in the electronic scene. It isn’t glamorized, but explored. Giving you a small piece of what HXV has been going through with an underlying beauty and optimism in the pain.
