“Look At Me” is a solid example of personality flowing through quality songwriting. In this case, the track from NYC rock singer/songwriter Paul Maged shows an outspoken and passionate frontman in the vein of The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn or The Pixies’ Frank Black. Maged’s new album, Diamonds & Demons, explores a “wide range of concepts, social issues and universal themes such as climate change, human warfare, religion and today’s ever evolving society.” “Look At Me”, in particular, takes a biting stab at the prevalent role of greed and elitism in contemporary society, like when he asks a wall street suit which family’s life he plans on ruining today. In addition to this lyrical focus is an infectious alt-rock delivery that’s largely no-frills. Perhaps apart from the nice and quick piano interlude, any garage-rock setup is capable of playing it, and that’s part of the charm, in addition to the central title-repeating chorus. Fun stuff from this NYC-based singer/songwriter, for sure, whose passion and outspokenness reminds me of early Pixies and Manic Street Preachers at points.
Powerful Singing Voice!