THE ODDNESS - MY AWAKE Feat. Dylan Jà
BNP036 / 04-12-2020
Expect the global profile of Australian producer The Oddness to grow considerably after the release of his upcoming sophomore album 'Observations as a Stranger'. His expressive beats and slo-mo house is on full display across nine impressive tracks anchored in themes around the human condition. It is that exact sentiment which makes this the perfect addition to Aussie label Beat & Path’s discography as their third full length release
After the brooding first single 'Exhale' follows the brightly coloured shine of 'My Awake', which features guest vocals from The Oddness guitar player Dylan Já. On this new single, the two creatives fluidly combine for a collaboration best described as captivating.
If 'Exhale' served as a meditation on our tendency to gravitate towards suffering, the 4/4 neo-pop euphoria of second single 'My Awake' is the polar opposite. It's a celebration of our ability to overcome it, a call-to-arms to be the hero in your own story. 'To me, this represents the monotony of life… when circumstances trap you' vocalist Dylan Ja explains. 'But even inside this numb state, existence still peppers you with moments of reflection and lucidity - nostalgic respect for the past but unwavering belief in a different future’. For someone's first official venture as a vocalist and lyricist, that could be a difficult message to deliver without sounding trite. However, Dylan succeeds with the experience of a seasoned professional. His conviction is infectious, a note perfect delivery giving rise to a sing-along celebration of self-discovery that dares to be optimistic.
Underpinning it all is the crystal clear direction of The Oddness, and his 10 plus years’ experience in crafting musical narratives are in full flow. 'My Awake' might possess a self-reflexive core, but on the surface, the rhythms feel light and epic, almost like the beats were infused with glitter that threatens to burst all over the speakers in a cloud of excitement. Floating above is a bittersweet piano that soars so high you might be tempted to reach for it. Not only does‘My Awake' capture the current cultural tone brilliantly, but it also transcends the zeitgeist in the same swift move. Most importantly, it offers a narrative that might be more affecting than a pandemic or a troubled election combined: it is a decisive, inspiring daydream delivering hope through rebirth. This is music to celebrate yourself.