Emerging from the heart of Chicago in 2009, Attack the Sound (ATS) is the brainchild of army veteran and active firefighter Davos Sounds. The dynamic group has created its niche in the city’s vibrant music scene, developing their original sound, which they have coined, “Chi-pop,” an enticing blend of indie R&B and pop infused with elements of jazz, hip hop, blues, gospel, and rock. Drawing comparisons to artists like Leon Bridges, Black Pumas, and John Legend, ATS stuns the audience with their electrifying tones and sounds. Their talent has not gone unrecognized, leading to associations with eminent artists such as Isaiah Sharkey, Bianca Shaw, Taylor Bennett, and JC Brooks, as well as performances on national television, including guest spots on ABC’s Windy City Live and WGN’s People to People. From recognition at the Midwest Film Festival for their single Love is War to receiving a sync placement with the Chicago Bulls, ATS has been continuously making strides as they take on key positions as emerging forces in the music industry.
On their latest single, from the beginning, “Fadiya” sets a serious and R&B tone. The track opens with a sparse arrangement playing a low-key melody in a minor key. This sets the stage for the vocals, which drop in with a contained power that conveys the gravitas of the internal conflict he’s dealing with. The pre-chorus continues the harmonic suspensions with a gradual increase in tempo and intensity, adding in a gradual, syncopated hi-hat pattern and a moving bass line. Layered vocal harmonies, reminiscent of gospel choirs, imbue it with charm. The instrumentation changes, bringing in strings to underscore the emotional weight of the words. The harmonic language will probably move through many tonalities, showing feelings of hope. The melody on the bridge is almost like a chromatic line, symbolizing the drop into doubt. The vocals become more passionate, further conferring a sense of urgency on the situation.
The strength of the song lies in its powerful instrumentation and its evocative lyrics. Through confronting the hard questions about duty, sacrifice, and faith, Attack the Sound has put together a work of art that connects deeply with the situation.
“Fadiya” hit me right in the chest. The emotion in Attack the Sound, combined with the intricate and powerful instrumentation, was a jaw-dropping listening experience that delved deep into exploration: fear, faith, and burdens of choices weighed heavily upon my mind in a manner to which I related to and reflected on a lot about my own choices in life long after the music died. Do yourself a favor and stream “Fadiya”.
