TRACK REVIEW: Ango – pull me up (break it off)

Written by Elijah P. Ango Paz’s own fusion of UK garage and Anti-pop is still making its way on the radar for many listeners all over. Heck, even Jung Kook’s hooky Seven or Pinkpantheress’ single worthy loosies or bootlegs prove to be more than just Tiktok worthy jams. Those tracks in particular are actual pop songs that’s built massive followings and influences for decades, regardless of formula changes and genre shifts. Pop music is a product of time and dopamine in the veins. Furthermore, Ango wants to slightly deviate in the formula by incorporating emotive vocals, explosive left turns in the production and another level of attitude in his latest single titled “pull me up (break it off)”.  Fresh from the aunt robert collaboration, the latest single carries a similar weight in terms of clarity to Ango’s vision as a producer and songwriter. Surely you can tell from the influences from a mile away, but Ango wanted to let their listeners know that UK Garage can be a transmutative genre in pop music. It’s a sonic force that can pull you right in immediately for its mechanical form. From the 2-step rhythms to the melodic sensibilities, Ango smartly inserts structures and techniques that’s common yet effective today: the explosive outro by the second half, the acoustic guitars bouncing along to garage kick and snares etc. “pull me up (break it off)” is an example of an artist’s work showing great potential. It’s an advancement to both genres holistically. Support the art & the artist:

TRACK REVIEW: Chelly Lim – Paulit-Ulit (Sorry Na)

Written by Elijah P. The realm of anti-pop is starting to show its influence among many young up-and-coming artists locally, and Chelly Lim is one of the many artists evident of such style. Representing 314 Studios, he’s one of the pandemic artists that have released hip-hop back in the lockdown, releasing his debut EP in the past, now a brand new version of himself that has come back, and ‘growth’ has become evident in the artist’s music.  Featuring a strumming distorted guitar leaning over the overblown, crunchy percussion, Chelly Lim bounces over melancholic lyricism aside from the whiny vocal melodicism. It’s as deadpan as you can get while the anti-pop elements subside halfway through the track. There’s a valiant effort put in “Paulit-Ulit (Sorry Na)” – you get the guitars wailing along to the choruses and Chelly’s ability to keep the track cold and buoyant. Yet the tracks hardly stick amidst the gritty dynamics. The producer-rapper might have renovated themselves in a brand new image but there are some tweaks needing songwriting-wise.   Support the art & the artist: