Andreww – Surprise
By Libby Driscoll
Disregarding the need to comfortably reside within one genre, Andreww concocts a fresh new spin of neatly produced lo-fi and ‘90s grunge in his latest single, Surprise.
The UK-based musician and model has a history of swaying away from the norm and pioneering his own artistic path when it comes to creative mediums; this being especially true in Surprise. Paired with a video set in a boujee dive bar shrouded in ‘70s chic, the single sees Andreww reflect on the fleeting nature of his own life, and how quickly time can pass us by.
“As I'm getting older, I'm thinking more about the notion of time and if you're not careful days bleed into months and months bleed into years and before you know it you haven’t been part of your own life.
- Andreww on Surprise
In comparison to his previous works, Surprise emits a lighter feel. The philosophical and brooding nature of the piece offers an approachable and relatable hand to its listeners, despite travelling along the bleaker themes of reflection.
The composition of the music itself feels as if it’s been plucked right out of the height of late ‘80s/early ‘90s grunge, however, it’s the tonal choices alongside its beats that incorporate the fresh element of lo-fi to the mix.
“I wanted to try something a bit different but still make sure it has my signature sound and I really think that we managed to do that.”
- Andreww on Surprise
Musically, Surprise is a nostalgic assortment of chorus-filled guitars, chunky rooted bass melodies and controlled, unsmiling vocals all following a programmed electronic beat. The mosaic of contrasting genre possesses a perfectly adaptable level of accessibility that could have you throwing yourself into one another at a gig or having a solemn listening session on your own; it certainly has the chameleonic aura that numerous tracks strive to do so well.
Surprise holds a level of crisp authenticity wrapped in an addictive twist on modern grunge. Andreww has undoubtedly grasped the art of songwriting within his own stylistic parameters, allowing the echoes of old favourites to ignite that excitement in us all once more.