WEEKEND on The Weeknd

Somewhere between R&B, hip-hop, ambient indie rock and dubstep, fits The Weeknd's “House of Balloons.”

The Weeknd is made up of relatively unheard of musicians: singer Abel Tesfaye and producers Illangelo and Doc McKinney. Mysteriously, the band’s website lists only an email contact, a link to a free download of “House of Balloons” and the cover art of an obscured, naked body.

"Balloons" eclectically samples from contemporary artists like Beach House, as well as 1980's Siouxsie and the Banshees. Drenched in reverb, the tweaked covers set the stage for Tesafaye's unapologetic seductions and confessions.

Combining How to Dress Well and The XX, plus R&B-hoppers like Frank Ocean and The-Dream together in one giant synthesis might prove a similar musical experience, but there's an integrity about the tracks on “Balloons” that's entirely The Weeknd's.

Each tracks play like the diary entries of a tortured lover caught up in swag, sex, drugs and relentless partying. The result is a one-of-a-kind sound with an edge that artists like Ne-Yo and Ginuwine couldn’t ever allow themselves, as well as a surprising amount of humility and self-consciousness from such a young rapper and singer.

“House of Balloons” is an exciting step in a new direction and an absolute must-have for 2011.