POWERWALK – ALUMINUM

Here at the Send Me Your Ears studio today, we’ve been listening to the latest single from Canadian act, Powerwalk. Their single, Aluminum, was released on 23rd February, 2023.

We previously reviewed Powerwalk’s single, Lantern, which we described as a “synth-laden stroll down memory lane.” Aluminum shows that Powerwalk are staying true and authentic to their early 80s influences and is a song drenched in synths and bouncy rhythms.

Powerwalk describe the inspiration behind the track: “Aluminum is about admiring someone from afar and being inspired by them. Realizing that someone you love has no obligation to love you in return, but you still choose to love and support them. Sometimes this means giving them space and quietly cheering them on and encouraging them when you do get the chance to be around them.”

The song starts with some wave-like sound effects before launching into an 80s drenched synth heavy delight of nostalgia. We love the toms and synths used in the verses. The vocals are layered and have some lovely stereo and panning in them to fill your ears.

The rhythms change up for the choruses and instrumental sections with a much more bouncy and poppy drum pattern and some dry-sounding synth stabs. Just like their previous track, Lantern, this is pure 80s nostalgia!

Vocally, Amanda takes the lead on this track, sounding like many of the 80s greats: Cyndi Lauper, Belinda Carlisle, and Toyah, for example.

The song makes superb use of sections, giving the listener plenty of different things to listen to throughout the song. The familiar chord sequence makes the listener comfortable and at ease, and the authenticity of the 80s feel truly is a joy to listen to.

Ideas from our ears

A boost around 55Hz could add some extra thump and warmth to the low end. A couple of cuts in the 650-900Hz range would reduce some ‘honky’ and ‘nasal’ tones in the vocal track too. A small but wide boost in the top 2 octaves could enhance some of the brighter tones as well. As always, these are just some ideas from our ears.

Final thoughts

Powerwalk have created another 80s-inspired gem that will have listeners up on their feet dancing, donning their neon t-shirts and searching out the nearest roller disco! Superb!

https://www.facebook.com/powerwalkband?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://open.spotify.com/artist/12K5rjGd9eXSB0PwJEYdDp?si=-CYmzfdcTku7MR0UoR8VUQ
https://instagram.com/powerwalkband?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=