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Prior to the listening of this album, I could not have told you who Kenny Choi was. I could not have told you that he is the of well-known indie band Daphne Loves Derby, and I sure as hell wouldn't have guessed that the lush yet altogether fragile tracks that that comprise Wolftron's Flesh and Fears was the product of a solo project headed by none other than Kenny Choi. A labor of love, Wolftron was almost entirely created in Choi's home, with drums being the only exception. The result is a full-fledged album that eschews the simplistic and amateur in favor of something deeper and more engaging than you might expect to hear from an indie solo project, although it feels somewhat confused in the execution.

The album opens with the mysterious Crystal Skulls, a somewhat simple piece that acts as more of an intro than anything else. Choi's effort to create a layered sound with string arrangements is largely successful, although he tends to tread lightly and rarely breaks new ground. The second track, Ms. Luna Grim, is one of the best tracks on the album, and it is a shame that Choi reaches his zenith so early on Flesh and Fears. The song is a minor key pop number with jazzy synth work that is emotionally engaging in a way that Choi seems to have touched only by chance. Flesh and Fears is an entirely capable album, but where Ms. Luna Grim is a melancholic, heartfelt work of art, subsequent songs fall into a paint-by-numbers safety zone that feels both uninspired and disappointing after knowing what Choi might be capable of. For while Choi's haunting vocal melodies are perfectly suited to the lyrical content, the music falls short in the most unfortunate way

Still, some tracks, such as Death of Starman, still manage to stand above the rest, no songs really struck me like the the beginning of the album did. And since the album only clocks in at barely over 30 minutes, the rules of the game don't allow for many mistakes. Short albums necessitate a focus that Flesh and Fears lacks both thematically and musically. Kenny Choi's Wolftron is an excellent project with potential to spare. The album is skillfully produced considering it's DIY roots, and while Choi's synth and string arrangements won't be blowing anyone away, the album is a nice blend of guitar and piano driven tunes that are sure to please the myriad indie fans among us. I have no doubt that Wolftron will blossom into something great, and I will surely be keeping an eye on Kenny Choi from now on.