SHI’s ‘ONYX’ Sounds Like Toronto After Midnight

Toronto’s underground has no shortage of artists making emotional music right now, but SHI’s debut EP ONYX separates itself by fully committing to melody and mood instead of chasing moments. The five track project blends hazy production, reflective writing, and slow drifting vocals that feel rooted in the same late night DNA that helped shape artists like Lithe & PARTYNEXTDOOR.

Tracks like “IF IT AIN’T ME” and “NIGHTLIFE” stand out most, pulling listeners into a cold, almost hypnotic sound built for nighttime drives and headphones sessions more than club records. Instead of overcrowding songs with unnecessary energy, SHI keeps things minimal throughout the EP, letting the melodies carry the emotion.

That restraint works in the project’s favor. A lot of newer artists force the “Toronto sound” through aesthetics alone. ONYX actually sounds connected to the city’s melodic lineage while still feeling personal to SHI’s own experiences. For a debut project, it’s a strong introduction into the darker melodic lane of Toronto’s underground scene.