Like What - Dark Is The Night

It is very humbling to hear what a musician can do when their time, space, and resources are limited. At first listen, darkwave, synthpop, and post-punk inspired artist Like What might sound like they have an entire set-up prepared for themselves. After all, the clean sound coming through my speakers and headphones is better than some of the other bands that I have listened to in the past on Brutal's behalf. What was astonishing, however, was when I found out that Like What operates solely on an iPad. What other musicians and synth-freaks might consider heresy Like What openly accepts and talks about with passion. Shame on anyone with a studio set-up who can't get their music to sound so nice. 


But, a review is not based on tech alone; what Like What has managed to do is impressive and has earned my respect. Their debut single, 'Dark is the Night', is what we're discussing today. What I love about the song is the simple and fun synthpop beat found within. It doesn't try to do too much, but also homes in on a darkened tone. Various other notes, such as a downward synth slash at the fifteen-second mark add some much needed atmosphere to the song. The song also manages to shift tones into a curious territory around the half-way point. What I did not like about the song, then, were the guitars. While attempting to add flavor, they also sound extremely basic and loopy even though they're only in minor spouts. I also think that Like What has a way to go when it comes to their vocals. While they are not dreadful, they also need to carry a bit more of a tone rather than trying to imitate current darkwave trends. I will praise Like What, however, for maintaining an audible voice in which you can understand the lyrics on this track. 

For a project that has just started, Like What is remarkably impressive. For only having an iPad as their sole source of musical creation, they are able to curate music that beats out a lot of other musicians (I would know. I receive my fair share of submissions every week). There are a few minor errors to be found in the music, and Like What's singing does need some work, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the song nonetheless. I'm curious to see how Like What's career shoots from here; there can be nothing but maturation in sound and design going forward. 

This review was commissioned through our Ko-fi page. Feel free to check it out for review, interview, and premiere opportunities. 
Jan 28 2021