Halifax EDM prodigy AWAL (also known as Alex Walsh) has released his latest single, “Spray Paint.” Having garnered praise from important figures in the genre such as Diplo and The Chainsmokers, the dubstep specialist justifies it in this release that manages to do everything right and then some.
Plenty of EDM tracks out there include build-ups that last for over a minute and a half, which can sometimes be tedious. AWAL, however, did not subscribe to that philosophy here, introducing the first drop at around the forty-second mark.
Walsh manages the shorter-than-average build-up perfectly, with the heavy kick drums enticing anticipation as the synthesized horns and strings make the vibe all the more ominous.
The first drop delivers ten fold, as the synthesized instruments make way for blips and beeps that surround a rhythmic bass that hits like a truck. The kick drum that had made its first appearance in the build-up also returns a bit more venom.
After the first drop, the residue of the drop pops in and out of the build-up as it prepares to unleash itself again, with loud, distorted synths keeping the momentum going.
Interestingly, the second drop starts with no percussion, as the synth chooses to build itself independently for its second drop. It pays off, as what follows is which the same heavy rhythm, this time paired with a synth akin to volcanic bumblebees.
AWAL was not aiming for simplistic beats here, instead opting for an engaging, bass-heavy auditory experience. No sound is afraid to expand its versatility, as Walsh arranges each component with varying lengths, intensity, and patterns, minimizing repetition and keeping listeners on their toes.
The song is then ended with what sounds like applause, fully deserved for a piece of this quality. Finally, the slight hiss of a can of spray paint sends listeners on their way.
“I had so much fun working on this project! I’ve been really trying to create themes for each of my records and to have them all follow a similar sonic colour palette,” says Walsh. “For this one it definitely played off the sound of the spray can. I really had that sound in the project early on and built the rest of the song using and designing sounds I felt would compliment the spray can. In the end the finished project is a fun, upbeat dubstep tune!”
With exposure and outside support surrounding him and the talent to back it all up, Alex Walsh can be all but confident that “Spray Paint” will keep those shoutouts coming.
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