This is a totally impressive release that seems to be just what the music world needs right now. Bringing together the thick beats of the eighties with a vocal monologue that drives the retro feel a little further, yet that pulls in ideas relevant to today, the track has been crafted in a considerate manner, so every few moments work hard to recapture your attention and keep you entertained.
The space on this album is powerful, the voice and the light synths lay the foundation – planting the seed, provoking thought, perhaps triggering certain memories for some – then the music smashes back onto the scene, complete with distortion and effects set to hit with impact. ”Leaving Dystopia” represents the core values of its underlying sentiment through and through. This is a complex and immense soundscape that feels all at once fresh, exciting, and like a long-lost classic from another decade. In some ways it plays out like an old gaming session, the sounds feel reminiscent of that scene, the set-up on the whole though is notably cinematic, and the passion in the vocals is just perfect for what the lyrics put forth.
The production on this track is interesting, the genre is unclear – as is the way of modern side winders. It feels like a rock piece with a touch of classic, maybe even electronic rock with its attitude and that slight touch of darkness in those synth notes. Mike Williams’s vocal part sounds lost in the mix a little, not up close and personal as a leading character or front man might often be, more embedded within the music – as if to invite the audience into the experience and share in the energy and sentiment of the song; perhaps to imply it’s not about him, it’s about all of us.
Of course, the track has that undisguised confidence commonly found in rock, another tip of the hat to further genres. All of this in unison makes the song fit in right now with the music culture that is making waves. At the same time, you can’t help but notice there’s something pretty unique about it all.
Mike Williams’ approach brings together all areas of creativity and inspiration, so this album of Leaving Dystopia is alive and well in the expression and the sheer passion of the soundscape. It hits with impact, for sure, and the very second you hear that riff exploding through the speakers you know where it’s coming from. A well timed release with a lot of weight to work well.
