“a distinct sense of personality to it” Shifty Eyes – “Kings”
The opening few bars of music for this track set a very distinct vibe. It’s one that takes inspiration from a lot of the more heavier, harder hitting hop-hop releases of the past decade or so. The production on the track is everything it needed to be, it brings out the volume of the work, at the same time as highlighting the softness of the descending riff, and also really shining a light on the characteristics and overall tone of the leading voice. All in all, the production is greatly effective in underlining the essence of the project.
The vocal performance has a distinct sense of personality to it, and that’s perhaps the most unique thing about the recording. The energy of the vocal performance increases in intensity, and all the while the music continues to repeat in its hypnotic manner, so you really focus on this performance and on these words. The music stops and starts over every now and then, and this works, it keeps things from getting tiresome. Really though the vocal performance is everything here. There is a hook, the ‘Kings’ concept stays with you, as does that riff, but it doesn’t stand out among its peers in the way that the leading rap performance does.
There is something very honest and confident about the performance, the rap style, the energy, as mentioned, and the vocal inflections featured throughout. There’s a sense of intensity, perhaps even vulnerability, which contrasts with the concept of ‘Kings’, but not in a negative way – it makes you listen, it grabs your attention, and once you’re involved you’re likely to be hooked. It would appeal to hear more releases from the artist, more lyricism, more ideas. The flow is fantastic, the energy, the sound, the rhythm – hopefully there’s a lot more to come.
By Rebecca Cullen
Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing.
