The hardest part of doing music reviews is understanding the song. You have to be one with the songwriter and understand their perspective. But the question is, how can you understand a perspective if there’s no voice telling it?
Positive Reptile is a solo artist based out of Seattle, WA. His style is Indian Funk which incorporates Indian-style guitar riffs, analog synth leads, bass synth, sitar riffs, and on top of that, has that reggae touch. Interesting right?
Furthermore, this is my review of the Sunsetter EP.
The 1st track of this EP is the title track ‘Sunsetter.’ It creates an atmosphere curating the perfect “welcome” statement. Opening the track with a synth keyboard alongside the sitar is a combination like no other. The ska stroke alongside the rhythmic synth bass is a feat that only a handful of artists can comprehend and create. I have to admit, this song is now on my “songs that I should’ve written but didn’t and it pains me” level.
Every time I listen to an instrumental song, I always look for the “story” and one thing is for sure, Positive Reptile knows what’s up. There’s a difference between noodling and telling a story and the lead guitar part of this track is like an uncle sitting on his rocking chair telling us youngins that we need to listen. Short, concise, and tight.
As an artist myself, you have a hunch that the player you’re listening to knows what they’re doing, and sure enough, adding a bit of delay on the intro ska stroke of “A Glimpse” is just genius! The linear percussion pattern on this track is felt deeply. In this particular track, the sitar and the lead guitar are having a conversation. They are not overpowering each other but instead creating this duet-like style that is interesting to hear.
On the 3rd track ‘Santosha’, the synth bass is grooving like there’s no tomorrow. In music, there is a thin line between overplaying and playing the song. On this particular track, the synth bass played the song very well it became the melody. When I listened to the song, I felt like I was in a dystopian world where cars were flying and I was walking wearing a long coat and lighting a cigarette.
On the final track ‘No Ennul’, the synth bass part became a perfect opening for the melodic guitar riff. The guitar riff on this track is the main voice of the song. It’s slow, easy to understand, and sits perfectly in the mix. The futuristic synth keyboard lick combined with the Sitar is just too good to not notice creating this perfect ending that left me wanting more.N
As I close this review, The Sunsetter EP made me realize how small my imagination is. On the other hand, It challenged me to become a better musician. I can’t say in words how I felt listening to this EP because every track takes you to a different dimension and because of this, I want to thank you Positive Reptile for sharing your talent with the world. You have a new fan in me and I’m looking forward to listening to your 2nd EP very soon.
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About the Author
He has been in the music industry for two and a half decades. Currently, he plays bass guitar for a rock-reggae band called EnjointPh and a funk-fusion trio called Banky. He also hosts a podcast titled Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana, which explores topics such as music, arts, and philosophy.
