‘Wail On Em’ presents listeners with the hook and concept of the track first and foremost. You’re immediately introduced to the darkness and unpredictable creativity of the track, and the key idea, the key line and its rhythm.
This kind of structural set-up can either turn people away or win them over much more quickly than a track that gradually works towards its hook. In this case, it makes the truth of the sentiment known immediately, and that lets you settle into the rhythm and weirdness of the music pretty easily. You’ve heard the hook already, so the verses are left to appeal – the story line is left to wonder about, as is the further unique development of the music. And things continue in this way, never succumbing to your expectations, keeping things fresh and care-free, always in line with the mood, the thickness, the industrial audio elements and the repetition.
The whole thing works hard to create a distinctly characterful and memorable soundscape. You find yourself hypnotised by the moments of repetition, and then listening intently to those varied sections of vocal exploration. There’s plenty going on here, there’s a lot of change and yet at the same time nothing changes at all.
You’re lost in the track and although it’s unfamiliar and a little unsettling, you want to listen through to the end, and then probably once again when it’s all over. The weight of the music pays tribute to some of hip-hop’s heavier, more intense legends. Those not afraid to craft new world’s of audio upon which they can lay their lyricism and performance skills in a way that is true to their own artistic expression. It works, it grabs your attention from afar, draws you in, and is extremely memorable.
By Rebecca Cullen
Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing
