I normally don’t like anything this pristine and clean sounding, but “High Tide” by Imad Jack Karam – better known simply as IJK, is so undeniably catchy (the kind that subconsciously takes over your mind) that throughout its clean and safe runtime, it hardly matters. The melody is so clear and sharp, the rhythm effortlessly danceable, every little vocal croon rings as charming and captivating. IJK’s sweet, funky and resonant pop-rock is as lovable as can possibly be. It is also quite a layered sound that the Lebanese-born singer-songwriter produces, as pricks of melody float through an obscenely catchy chorus that eventually falls into a rhythm which beautifully interchange fiery guitar, thumping bass, banging drums and shimmering keys, in a way that is as impacting as it is endearing.
“High Tide” shows an impressive maturity in IJK’s songwriting. This is simply a piece of indie-pop/rock goodness, the only complaint being is it doesn’t go on forever. The track comes fully equipped with plenty of bells and whistles to push the artist’s sound to new heights.
IJK find ways to disregard all the clichéd modern mainstream trends and still comes out with a very strong track, filled with plenty of catchy guitar play, tons of groovy bass lines, and at the end of the day, he is as listenable and danceable as ever.
In the verse to the bridge, and then the chorus “High Tide” hits us with that infectious guitar melody that we can never get out of our heads but throughout the song, we get a heavy buildup of bass booms which take us to an epic pre-chorus and chorus overlapping over that undeniably addictive guitar.
The clever use of angular guitars helps raise the roof and expand the soundscape. But of course the cherry on top of this recording, is IJK himself. His vocal performance possesses an undeniably radiant surge of energy throughout. Hence, the finished product packs enough punch to spread like wildfire among the indie rock and the cross-over lovers of Brit rock and pop.
“High Tide” is an excellent party-starter or anthem to the night out, and IJK follows the indie trend of matching the danceable rock beat, the pop straight-forwardness, and the massive guitar riffing with melancholy in the melody and personal narrative in the lyrics. This is certainly one of the catchiest guitar driven crossover tracks I have heard all year.
The track has got so many glistening hooks it’s impossible for it to not get stuck in your head. Such a well-produced, balanced, strong, confident, consistent indie rock track has, as a matter of fact, not yet been delivered from across the pond, this season. It is scarily enjoyable, addictive and irresistible.
Simply put: Imad Jack Karam bka IJK, just makes this kind of music so much darn better than anyone else right now. “High Tide” is proof that IJK knows how to make his kind of music, taking from the big picture only what works for him and not everyone else.
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