Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
In a generation of entertainers committed to breaking the boundaries that exist within every corner of the art world, singer Xavier Toscano stands out as an original with a style that is all his own. After dropping some credible work in recent times, he’s humbly moving forward with his career by hammering out some of the most awesomely smooth songs that the indie scene has to offer. His latest release, “Castles in the Sky,” is a sultry ballad that incorporates shades of soul and adult contemporary concepts to create an anthological anthem dedicated to the themes of its creator.
The sexy beat that oversees the textured harmony drawing us into “Castles in the Sky” is elegantly produced and doesn’t skimp on coloring any of the multifaceted tones in the vocal with a bright mix that does Toscano’s style justice. The music is soft and endearing, but it takes a backseat to the viciousness of the verses. My man shows off his skills here without any inhibition and puts on a clinic with his delivery of the lyrics, carefully vaulting between the rigidity of the rhythm and the insatiably fluid harmonies.
Lyrically this is as sharp and emotionally effective as Toscano has ever been with us, imparting cutting verses with a swaggering execution that is drenched in physicality and power. He puts everything on the line with us vocally and comes out on top, and his non-threatening tone contrasts with the aggressiveness of the music exquisitely. Much like any piece of fine art, there’s so much to appreciate in this track when we take an even closer look at its key components.
OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFBZV_P_15Y
Toscano’s soul influences are on full display in “Castles in the Sky” and arguably forge the foundation of the song’s melody. It’s quite hard to put this track down once you pick it up; the sway reminds me of the old school, where a legendary singer was able to practically sing us an old recipe and leave us awe-struck by the intrepid tonality in their voice. You could break this song down, strip away the energy of the instruments, and isolate Toscano’s vocal by itself, and I think it would still be as rousing a number as it is in this complete form.
This player isn’t just challenging the order of the pop establishment with his music; he’s using his fame to spell out a serious commentary on the world as he’s experienced it firsthand. “Castles in the Sky” plays as well in a mashup of contemporary pop deep cuts as it does alongside college radio anthems that gleefully reject the parameters of the mainstream commercial marketplace, and that’s not something that can be said of most mainstream musicians’ output. When he does head out on tour, I have a strong feeling that this song will be a lynchpin of his performances. The music is robustly arranged and the varnish is unmistakably fine-tuned for the modern listener, but to say that Toscano is producing anything other than authentic, brooding jams designed for a generation craving originality simply wouldn’t be the truth.
Patricia Weaver
