Typically, the tracks of an album are available for purchase when the album drops, except for one of or two of the songs, which are released as singles prior to the album’s due date. These single tunes are meant to give hype to the upcoming album. So it’s important for an artist to wisely choose these “showcase” tracks. This pattern usually extends widely throughout artists and musicians in the music industry, but every so often the mold is broken for the right reasons. Our newest favorite rebel is Klayton of Celldweller. We first discussed the multi-instrumentalist artist, producer, songwriter, performer, programmer and remixer with you Shockya readers back in May. Before we thoroughly analyze the eclectic tunes of Celldweller, you might want to refresh your memory and check out that post.
The multi-talented artist will drop the fourth chapter of his sophomore album, ‘Wish Upon A Blackstar’, on July 19th, worldwide. Due to the long time it takes him to record the tracks, Klayton has chosen to release the record in “chapters,” which contain two songs each. He also wants to continuously give his fans new music without any lengthy time gap. These justifiable motives for releasing ‘Wish Upon A Blackstar’ are exactly what we are looking for when an artist chooses to step beyond the ordinary album process. In honor of Klayton’s next installment, let’s talk about the ‘Wish Upon A Blackstar’ tunes of the past, present and future.
Chapter one, which dropped back in 2009, includes the tunes “Louder Than Words” and “So Long Sentiment”. Within under a minute of listening to “Louder Than Words”, it becomes quite obvious just why it takes Klayton such a chunk of time to create his tunes. He isn’t just singing over a single tempo, but rather numerous beats that intertwine with one another to form a cohesive instrumental sound. These background beats are comprised of jarring electronic rifts underlined with a rock n’ roll basis. The melodic combination suits Klayton’s edgy vocals and catchy lyrics.
We flip the page and insert disc number two. The next set, which hit stores in 2010, includes the tunes “Eon” and “The Best It’s Gonna Get”. With chapter one, we were impressed with Klayton’s ability to mix electronic and rock music together without any hints of incompatibility. He has done it again with this part of ‘Wish Upon A Blackstar’, but instead substituting rock elements with those of metal. The track, “The Best It’s Gonna Get” opens up with a haunting sound that is more than worthy enough to be featured in a Rob Zombie film. Klayton’s vocal range flies off the charts with his ability to transition from screaming metal vocals to fast paced vocals that resemble a smooth and slick rap. No genre appears to be too taxing for Klayton to dismember and piece back together with some new and atypical sounds.
With the past taken care of, let’s move to the present with chapter three, which dropped in 2010. The duo set includes the songs “Tainted” and “The Lucky One.” The songs allow us to unearth another quality of Klayton; his ability to take the aggression out of his voice and follow a subtler sounding path. Don’t get us wrong, we love the angst in his voice, but every so often it’s nice to hear him more reserved. With the tune, “Tainted”, Klayton’s vocals take a softer indie approach and coincide well with the vulnerable lyrics. Once again, we must reiterate that Klayton can break through just about any musical barrier.
It’s time to make chapter three music of the past and chapter four no longer tunes of the future. These time transitions will occur this Tuesday, July 19th, when “I Can’t Wait” and “Gift For Your” are released worldwide. The over five minute long tracks present a strongly unified sound primarily due to the oozing sexual vocals that are gluing the array of genres together. Klayton shows his lustfully appealing side in two different ways with these tunes. “I Can’t Wait” has a dark sound and heavy beats. “Gift For You” also has that dark and haunting sound, but the beat is more lingeringly passive. Whether placed beside an upbeat or downbeat tempo, Klayton knows how to interlace his vocals within a track.
With one more chapter to go, ‘Wish Upon A Blackstar’ already vocally and instrumentally smothers most of the famed artists in the music industry. Klayton isn’t just a man of one sound. He is a singer and musician of many, unlike the categorized artists on the radio. To all you stars out there, enjoy your last few gasps of air because soon it will be positively cluttered with metal, rock, alternative, indie, electronic and pop elements.
by Lonnie Nemiroff
