Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
In his latest single “Keeps It Tight,” Xavier Toscano stylishly tackles the traditional pop model an angst-ridden, funky attitude that was hinted at in previous works but is fully realized in this new composition. The same vivacious energy that made him a huge draw on the underground circuit is grandiosely emphasized here, under the watchful production eye of its creator, Toscano wrote “Keeps It Tight” as a means of bringing one end of his artistry full circle with another, and the sincerity of his aesthetical convictions can be felt well beyond the opulent vibrations of the song’s opening salvo.
The tempo that pushes “Keeps It Tight” into the spotlight unfolds behind the glistening harmony of the vocals, which gloriously welcomes us to the track before clearing out for a synth element that pulsates beside Toscano’s verses. The musical assault is softened by the velvety vocals, which are woven into the rhythm with utmost care. The rattling percussion isn’t quite as enticing as the bass, which thunderously trots to the beat of Toscano’s syllables, echoing the calculated groove of the arrangement without ever interrupting the flow. This feels complicated initially, but I love how effortless it all sounds.
OFFICAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3slAMsV4no
I’m not usually one to get hung up on the way a song is mixed, but you’d have to be crazy not to be enamored by the amazingly even-keeled production of “Keeps It Tight.” Our attention isn’t spread thin by the lofty equalization; if anything it makes it tremendously easier for us to tune into all of the divine intricacies that the melody has to offer us. There’s a lot of depth on the guitar parts in particular, which ends up making the bassline sound a little more ominous and sensitive to the percussion. Whether it is Toscano’s singing or the thrust of the tempo, there’s something incredible coming at us from every angle in this song.
The arrangement in “Keeps It Tight” is calculated and borders on postmodernism when we break apart all of the different pieces and study the bones. Meticulously designed around Toscano’s range, what makes this single as chilling a listen is its robotic synchronicity. Nothing ever gets out of its place here; the instruments are role players meant to drive the lyrics to the center of the spotlight.
There’s no need to debate; Xavier Toscano’s music is barreling through the pop scene with a buzz that demands our attention and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. “Keeps It Tight” doesn’t attempt to reinvent the construction of poppy club tunes, but rather it peppers the template with a spicy sardonicism that speaks for the greater desire for thoughtful beats in 2023. Toscano is a pop star in the making, and in this latest single we see just how serious he is about using the skills he’s received for good while still getting us dancing to a hard rhythm at the same time. I’m looking forward to seeing him in person, and I think I’m not the only one saying so as the holiday season gets started.
Curt Nicholson
