Copenhagen-based artist Wads, known as the voice of Danish R&B darling Phlake, ventures into daring territory on his new single, “beast.” The song is the second taste of his much-anticipated debut solo album, due in 2025.
“beast” is a visceral, internal exploration of Wads’ mind. He wrestles with alienation and the desire to conform, and those themes get an inflamed, otherworldly twist through anguished alien-like vocals and an aggressive, psychedelic soundscape. Co-writer Gisli Gislason is shared on the credits, and with production from Awinbeh Ayagiba, Wads builds an equally haunting and liberating track. Lyrically, he leans into his quirks and doesn’t avoid them. Wads writes that he’s a “beast” at strolling, overthinking, and attempting not to stand out. But instead of holding back these idiosyncrasies, he recognizes them as a superpower, an evolution that carries the song’s more profound message of self-acceptance.
Something “beast” is challenging to categorize musically. It mixes alternative R&B, electronic textures, and experimental vocal distortions, resulting in an intimate tableau from another planet. The track’s textured production, courtesy of Awinbeh, draws listeners into Wads’ world where vulnerability meets defiance. This song demands engagement through its genuineness. “beast” is a track that refuses to leave as the last note fades, thanks to the colorful, unapologetic sonic decisions.
With “beast” laying the groundwork, Wads’ first solo album emerges as a fearless manifesto of artistic rebirth. If this track is any indication, his next album will be a deeply personal but profoundly relatable piece that doesn’t just tell you about something but makes you feel it.
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