Al Ward - Inner-Mission

Al Ward

Inner-Mission
​self-released; 2020

3.7 out of 5

By My Nguyen

Al Ward is a drummer from Staunton, VA. He has received awards from Bridge College (where Ward attended school) for musical excellence. And in the past, he has lent a hand in producing projects for other bands. Inner-Mission is his first dive into his solo endeavors.

Though primarily a drummer, Ward also plays other instruments such as percussions, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, keys, trombone, ukulele and vocals. He shows his talents on these various instruments including his skills programming beats on his 13-track debut album. Ward really shows his range and versatility as an artist as his sound features a blend of genres, combining pop with R&B, hip hop, indie rock and an alternative vibe.

Inner-Mission moves forward with “The Beginning” where crunchy electronic riffs ripple over the course of this music. Gradually, the riffs become more industrial sounding. The gritty sounds wash over the track as a rap style is executed in rapid succession. The song alternates between rapid rap sequence to more celestial sounding vocal harmonies. Up next is “Just Getting Started (Instrumental).” Ward bursts into the scene with loads of clarity. He repeats in loud vocals “I’m only just getting started.” Next, some energized scatting accompanies the percussions and keys. On “Remain The Same,” aerial synths radiate over the forefront of this track. The vibrations that it sends out are colorful and vibrant. Ward’s soothing vocals sail over this song and I could really feel myself relaxing to the mellow vibes.

Warbling synths highlight an airy sound as Ward sings in a straightforward manner on “2002.” Next, he starts up on some hip hop notes with an evocative rap style. His rapping is ridiculously smooth. The deep reverberating sounds coming from the cellos adds a moody, entrancing vibe to the intro of the title track. Next, some bouncy beats are executed as the strings are played in a driven staccato feel. In a rapid pacing, Ward’s verses seethe through the speakers. He really pulverizes with his exacting rap style. The stop and go motion of the bass provide for a wonky and funky vibe on “They’ll Say (ft. Tyler Burch).” Ward’s rap style really recalls a classic ‘90s hip hop vibe. It really felt like a Will Smith or LL Cool J song to me. The xylophone adds some unconventional instrumentation on “Dope Ma!” He pays an ode to his mother, semi-rapping and singing on this catchy track. “Dreams” is a highly refreshing and innovative song. Ward lays the foundation by beatboxing in the backdrop while he overlaps contagious sounding vocals in the forefront. The sound of synthetic horns zip through the course of this track. This song functions on all levels as a great pop number. 

Doubling down on the electronic beats and synth keys, the sound that comes across can be over-the-top, but Ward momentarily adds some variables like changing things up mid-track that makes things less excessive. Listing several of his influences as Tony Royster Jr., Thomas Lang, Mike Johnston, Sarah Thawer, Anika Nilles, Buddy Rich, Gary Chester and Cobus Potgieter, Ward’s sound isn’t solely informed by these artists – he also goes out of his way to forge his own path with his own signature sound.

​While you can say that Ward is relatively new to the scene and has yet to develop a singular vision to his sound as of yet, Inner-Mission is a solid start. Though a bit lo-fi at times you can say that this is what brought about its strengths. Though a professional studio could go about tweaking his sound, the home recording quality gave the album an old school classic ‘90s/’00s vibe that really brings you back to the day and that is all a part of its charm. Fans nostalgic for the era will be welcoming this album with open arms. But if you don’t fall into that class, no worries, the album is also filled with plenty of other sounds and styles that are of equal note. 

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