Gual Get Down

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that there’s only a difference of about 5 seconds between the running time of all 5 of Gual’s single releases. He’s clearly hit on some kind of formula here, and is well up for sharing his infectious beats!

Starting off with chord voicings that are reminiscent of KC and the Sunshine Band’s Give It Up, Get Down doesn’t waste any time getting its groove on! Synth chords, 70s disco wah-wah guitar, pulsing, syncopated bass and brass stabs weave in and out of a nice, tight arrangement that is satisfying and yet doesn’t just tick the boxes.

The melodies chosen for the vocals are pretty damn interesting, at times creating a dissonant sense that’s spiky on the ear, and yet make for compelling listening. There’s a bluesy lilt to them (and their choice of harmonies), which creates a slightly mean, slinky-shouldered shape for us to latch onto.

The synth brass powers on through like a freight train, daring us to stop moving our feet – we are left in no doubt as to what we’re supposed to be doing. About halfway in though, the track starts to break down, only to be built up again; a bongo break returning us to the kit that’s waiting to roll us back into brass riffs and stabs. And all the while, bright slabs of synth and arpeggiating white noise sweep us back to the banks of vocals with loads of colour and energy to offer.

The trick here is the multitude of vocal and brass hooks over a relentless rhythm that just won’t quit. Appealing female vocals and a smart, sassy beat make for a compelling listen.

Find & follow Gual on Twitter & Instagram or visit his Website.

Chris Porter

Writer

As well as writing about music, Chris Porter is a songwriter, singer, producer & vocal coach. He has written for all manner of international artists, including Dagny, Dzeko, and hit the No.1 spot with Thailand’s Singto Numchok. His music has had thousands of placements on film, TV & radio all around the globe.