Kevin Whitaker – Love War (2024)
Influenced by the likes of 80s Europop, Depeche Mode, New Order and Nine Inch Nails, one would imagine singer-songwriter Kevin Whitaker to have a sound lingering between synthy-metal-punky vibes. Yes, there’s a leaning toward this rock-tinged new wave tone; however, Kevin Whitaker traverses all genres making him entirely impossible to be pigeon-holed. Whitaker caught our attention in 2022 with his sophomore single ‘Unpredictable Love’; at that point, we were already late to the party. Skip ahead a couple of years and his reach has expanded far beyond his US borders and a loyal following growing with each release. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Love War’.
Described as explosive, innovative and exhilarating, each of Whitaker’s songs has an immersive soundscape tossing audiences about in a rush of kaleidoscopic chaos. Following the well-received hard rock single ‘Rise’, Whitaker shifts gear toward a flutter of 90s pop-rock with nu-metal influences pulsating throughout. Interestingly, while the heavier rock and metal sounds are prominent, the foundation of the arrangement boasts industrial EDM beats reaching out to a different audience.
Co-penned and co-produced with California-based Bradley Denniston of Radium Records, ‘Love War’ is a scorching anthem of battle rage mingled with stabs of vulnerability, fragility and pure desperation. Eager to try something new, Whitaker describes ‘Love War’ as “something fresh…a pop-rock sound with a catchy chorus and some wild production…” As you might have gleaned above, I feel there is an upbeat pop-rock infectiousness, but it is overlaid with an interplay between ferocious nu-metal, profound dark pop, and the gruffness of hard rock.
One element I truly enjoy about ‘Love War’ is the nostalgic whisper of Linkin Park with a modern-day edge. It might be my ears alone, but the vocals hold intense intricacy in the complex single. A crescendo reminiscent of Chester Bennington exists in the chorus settling amidst abrupt growls – an oscillation between pure emotions of toxic obsession and tumultuous impulsiveness.
“This song is a love song with a burn. Imagine the movie Mr and Mrs Smith, the love and yet the fighting. Willing to die for a war in its own way, a battle of love…” – Kevin Whitaker on ‘Love War’
Find out more about Kevin Whitaker on his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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