
The worst thing for a musician chasing success is having to explain what they’ve done. Wesley Black’s blend of modern genres is completely unambiguous, promising immediate stimulation for those who like their pop-rock to be brash and loud.
The mini-EP, “Everything Will Crash and Burn” is an exercise in writing in writing modern would-be pop hits. The three songs here are extremely short. They include influences from different genres, but there’s a focus on pop-punk dynamics and singalong choruses. And Black is clever enough to let his personality leave a shadow over each of the tracks.
“READY2GO” delivers what it says on the tin. It’s the EP’s opener and, potentially, a show starter. It begins with the kind of punkish power chords that have never fallen ut of fashion and smartly don’t deviate from the hook. That hook is delivered withing the first seconds. Most new artists make themselves hard to find, but Wesley Black’s essence is always on full display.
It might be easy to retreat with the second song here. But Black charges forward, letting the cheeky, Beastie Boys-like vocal delivery take centre stage for “UR NOT MY MOM.” The rap/pop-rock sound is cartoonish and colourful. Not many artists get this right, but, fortunately, Wesley is entertaining enough to pull it off.
To drive the three-set songlist home, Black could’ve opted for a long, revealing ballad. However, the artist seems to know what fans want and keeps it short and to the point. “I GUESS THAT’S ME” features a simple, punchy guitar riff over which the singer delivers his confession in a grunge, 90s-inspired tone.
“Everything Will Crash and Burn” sounds deceptively light. It is in fact a very well-balanced affair. Wesley Black moves from pop-punk to rap to grunge in the span of less than 8 minutes, and never once forgets to be entertaining.
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