A consistent notion in nearly every single music scene that has ever come to light has been this idea of what is truly considered “anthemic” and/or “resounding” in regards to singular songs. This sentiment is mostly brought up when discussing songs that not only work to define what that respective scene stands for in its status alone, but also work to play into some sort of momentous narrative or even sound by itself.
In regards to the rising crop of talent that make up the next generation of pop music at this moment, few artists have truly embodied what it means to be “anthemic” in that light today. But with their most recent single “Burden,” this scene can confidently add Grandee’s name to that very short and exclusive list without a single question.
This track manifests everything that those aforementioned descriptions ask for, and it even goes above and beyond in some aspects. In just over a minute’s time, Grandee was able to create an ever-so-evolving experience that acts as something of a story within itself — something that in its own manner takes the listener on a journey with a distinct beginning and end.
This status is due in large part to the production work done by Grandee, Nomu, and Blackwinterwells — as they were able to translate this story into the musical medium through sheer sonic force alone. Beginning at a subdued and uninvolved riff, the track adds more and more instrumental weight onto itself until it reaches what can only be described as a tellingly ideal apex that leaves any and all listeners in complete shock and awe, all before culminating in an outro that lets everything come to rest in an equally apparent manner as the beginning dictated.
Though the instrumental is nothing short of dynamic and ever-changing, one thing that stays relatively consistent throughout the song is Grandee’s laid back and understated vocal delivery. Their supremely soft demeanor corresponds perfectly with the minuscule parts of the song, yet it does just as well as an excellently executed contrasting feature when the beat reaches its most intense portions — submerging itself in the mix while still acting as a highlighted feature all the same.
Grandee has made a living off of releasing these one-of-a-kind and distinctly defining tracks within their discography, but “Burden” is truly more than meets the eye in this regard. It is a track that speaks to the sheer musicality that they hold so close — an artistic status that is completely of their own and allotted to only them. And with this track in particular, that exact force that they withhold was exceptionally placed at its highest and most awe-inspiring level yet.
https://soundcloud.com/gnde/burden