André Rodriguez is a songwriter and producer based out of Minneapolis, MN who has had several songs featured on MTV, HBO, documentaries and commercials. He also released two full-length albums as well as various EPs with his latest EP entitled Who We Are.
There are multiple genres that Rodriguez plays with but at its core I would say this is pop music. According to the artist “Who We Are is a collection of songs that deal with current social issues including racism, immigration, refugees and politics.” The EP opens with “The New Colossus Prelude (feat. Anna Baker)” which sounds completely removed from all the other songs. It’s composed with digital orchestration and the absolutely breathtaking vocals by Anna Baker who sounds like she is singing in an opera. It’s such a powerful, beautiful first two minutes that I was completely thrown off by what followed. The next song “Monsters” contains a smidge of The Postal Service with a more predictable pop structure. I really enjoyed the guitar work and the song was well composed. Up next is “Syrian Child” which has an almost dixie jazz feel to it and revolves around piano and vocals. “Inside Our Lines” is arguably the most single worthy song on the EP while “This Is Where I Hold” seem politically charged but the lyrics are also very interpretative. Rodriguez closes with “You Are Not Alone” which from the lyrics seems to be about DACA. Who We Are is a solid pop EP although for me personally it felt a bit too saccharine at times. On that note that often tends to be the case with pop. This wasn’t a challenging collection of songs musically but Rodriguez does have talent as a writer and producer.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|