The debut single from Toronto-based solo artist McKeever, “Crystallized” is a dynamically captivating rocker with striking shifts from percussion-fronted ruminations to guitar-laden exhilaration. McKeever has fronted Toronto-based garage-punk act Teen Archer since 2006, and that project’s ardent energy carries over here as well — further bolstered by elements of alt-rock and neo-psychedelia, with influences cited such as T. Rex and The Strokes.
Ruminating percussion and deep, dark guitar undercurrents excel into a more glistening, melodically approachable burst prior to the vocals’ emergence. The percussive contemplation and distorted guitars interchange upfront alongside the verses, with the title-touting hook expanding the feeling beautifully. The “catching my breath,” bridge excels with its hypnotic, jangly twist. The track impresses in its first minute+ with a myriad of clever structural twists, emphasizing the project’s exciting and versatile rock sound.
In addition to presently fronting Teen Archer and drumming for Hotkid, McKeever’s is also a former member of the acts outfits Pink Wine, The Ketamines, The Ultimatemost High, and Guitar Army.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2022’ Spotify playlist.
