Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
A mean groove can mean the difference between maximum chills or a total lack of thrills, and in the case of the new single “Masquerade” from rockers Sonic Rade, it’s the former over the latter. Rather than trying to center everything on the harmonies that this group can conjure up with surgical precision, “Masquerade” features Sonic Rade accentuating their lyrical narrative with rhythm almost exclusively, dispelling the theory that beat-driven crossovers don’t have a place in contemporary rock. This is a piece that proves quite the contrary, and I doubt I’m going to be the only critic to note as much this autumn.
You can’t beat the vocal layering this track is sporting, and although I like the straightforwardness of a simple mix, this is the kind of single that could make anyone a fan of modern decadence. The old school indie rock themes are situated more in the cosmetics of this piece than the actual drive from the players, but I wouldn’t discount the post-punkishness of the singing here; whether they’re experimenting with a melodic verse or harmonizing with a leering element in the backdrop, these guys sound like they’re in tune with the medium.
I love how the connection between these vocalists comes to define the mood of the music almost more than the lyrics do, which isn’t to say that these words lack weight or legitimacy.
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_JBzSd9CVQ
Contrarily, it’s impressive that the interplay between Sonic Rade can surpass the depth of the lyrical content here, being that there’s a raw emotionality to the verses that exists both on paper and in the performance. They’re just scratching the surface of their creative abilities, that much is obvious, but for what they’re established in this debut, I’m very intrigued at the prospect of seeing where they go next.
This riff is on the sly side, but I don’t think this trio needs much more of a foundation to create a sturdy hook. Had they gone with a thicker bottom end via the bass, I’m not certain whether or not we would have been able to appreciate the textural expressiveness of the music as it originates with the vocals. There’s a serious sense of structure to this arrangement, and because of how careful the players are being with their individual parts, there’s scarcely a moment in which they don’t sound like true professionals ready for the primetime.
I’m quite eager to hear what Sonic Rade is going to develop in their next single and music video, and judging from the ambitiousness of this offering, I don’t think I’m going to be disappointed with what’s sitting on the horizon for this crew. There’s a lot of competition in alternative rock and throwback new wave at the moment, but among those who are rejecting the more formulaic path of their forerunners, Sonic Rade is probably the most provocative group I’ve come across in the past couple of months. There’s more for them to explore in this sound, but “Masquerade” is a terrific taster.
Andrew Marscheider
