Trap inflections blend with rock influences on “AVANZA,” the latest single from artist Kevin Amed. We’re always fans of tunes with originality, spicing up the mix with a wide palette of inspirations. So, when we heard about a new single clashing various influences from an up-and-coming young Spanish artist, we had to give it a closer look.
“AVANZA” grabs your attention from the beginning with a whining guitar riff and Kevin’s vocals. Soft piano keys join the mix, creating a tense and almost dreadful atmosphere. There’s much to appreciate here, even relatively early in the song. Of particular note are the choice of instruments. They all command your attention but come together seamlessly in the mix.
Kevin Amed’s vocals match the intensity of the instrumental, delivering lines through a tired, exhausted drawl. While in some songs, this could be seen as lazy delivery, here, it sells the atmosphere of the single. Every element of the song, from its drums to its guitar riffs, enhance its exhausted atmosphere. Kevin himself, sounding beaten and downtrodden, bolsters the atmosphere significantly.
The production on “AVANZA” is top-notch, with the aforementioned moody and atmospheric instrumentals perfectly complementing the song’s melancholy tone. Using guitar and other rock elements adds depth and texture to the track, making it stand out from other trap songs. Despite its demure and somber sound, it even manages to have some memorable hooks.
Lyrically, “AVANZA” speaks to the idea of being someone who is feared, with many gangster-ish references. The song’s title, which translates to “move forward,” takes on an ironic twist as Amed’s lyrics convey a sort of struggle. While he’s not doing badly, he describes his life and challenges cyclically, making for an odd juxtaposition that fits the song’s overall tone.
When bundled together into a complete package, the effect is practically mesmerizing. The song evokes a strong sense of exhaustion and hopelessness that is palpable from the opening bars and only evolves further from there. The haunting guitar riffs add to the spacey production and reverb to create a sense of space and distance while also exacerbating the track’s sense of exhaustion.
Overall, “AVANZA” is an impressive single that displays a great understanding of musical concepts and genre-blending. Kevin Amed’s talent as a singer and a songwriter comes through in the song’s unique blend of trap and soft rock influences. It creates a sound that’s distinctly Amed’s, while the lyrics and production add an emotional depth that will resonate with listeners. If you’re a moody and introspective Spanish music fan, “AVANZA” is worth checking out.