Saturn Rising's darkest dream is to fully understand himself and be understood by others—something the Bay Area musician edged closer to by creating his debut EP, Darkest Dream. The five-track project, released this summer through Molly House Records, juxtaposes Saturn's oppressive Catholic background and liberating journey through go-go dancing in San Francisco clubs. Each track aggressively wrestles between both lived experiences, highlighting his difficult quest for love as a sexually guarded queer.

Sonically, the breakout EP reflects this moody attitude and subject-matter, lacing existential lyrics like "I take too much time to get my life" above sludgy, tribal-trap electronica. Saturn cites dark-pop albums like Britney Spears' 2007 LP, Blackout, as ongoing inspiration, and it's heard in the way he bridges '90s R&B melodies with contrasting underground club production. He's as interested in making you dance as he is he yearning to invite you into his beautiful, twisted headspace.