GAWVI – “We Belong” Review

 

10photos.net
(c) Moxie

GAWVI, from what I understand, is a producer. This trait shines through on his brand new album, We Belong, which was produced. He moves from poppy bright EDM to poppy bright EDM to poppy bright EDM with a dexterity rivaled strongly by that of a herd of dead oxen. “In my core, I’ve always been drawn to be more experimental”, he says, seemingly without a trace of irony. At 14 tracks over the course of 53 minutes, it suffers from the same overlength that has plagued countless contemporary albums in the realm of pop and rap. Though it never feels as ridiculously bloated as an album like Drake’s Views, We Belong isn’t winning any sequencing awards.  This isn’t to say the record is without its redeeming qualities. Each song as a standalone piece is at worst, inoffensive, and at best (opener “Rock N Roll”, dance ballad “The Sickness”), a danceable anthem in a neat 4 minute package. The hit of the album (most played on Spotify, at any rate), “God Speed”, features a short breakdown, ripe for a “sick mosh pit”, as kids have been known to call it. About “God Speed”, GAWVI says “this is a fun song that gives a new meaning to the word God Speed, meaning to ‘level up’ and ‘God be with you”. The lyrics rarely have more to offer than the music. Many songs are bogged down in tired gospel vein, and the others put forth a feeble attempt at social criticism, on topics ranging from the state of the music industry to the effect of social media on today’s deeply troubled youth.

While I feel I may have been too harsh, if there’s one thing I can not tolerate in music, it’s a lack of originality, and GAWVI radiates nothing but. While there are enjoyable moments, I recommend that anyone who read this review and managed to come away with a desire to listen to We Belong listen to “Rock N Roll” or “The Sickness” and skip the rest. Although, to be completely honest, I recommend that anyone looking for their EDM fix check out Aphex Twin or Deadmau5. There’s too much music out there, and this album does nothing to set itself apart from the ever growing crowd.

Verdict: Not terrible, but utterly forgettable.

Highlights: “Rock N Roll”, “The Sickness”.