Manny King John
If anatidaephobia is the fear of being watched by a duck, we want to watch.
Newly signed to Epic Records, Trapstep trio Watch The Duck leaves (what we’d like to call) an “otherworldly impression” on fans with Anatidaephobia, their debut EP released April 1. Suitably so, we believe the appellation of this collection says it all. It appears to be the soundtrack for a duck-scared being on the run. Aside from that notion, sonically, this EP sets this brilliant group apart from its genre predecessors. It pays homage to styles of electronic dance music often popularized in the 90’s through the 00’s but it is on a tier of its own. Musically, Watch The Duck rules the Trapstep movement, a combination of “Trap” and “Dubstep”. The sound and influences are characterized by its sub-bass, layered synths, with a slight flavor of Southern Hip-Hop and Soul.
The first track “Lost In It” incorporates more of the current Dubstep sound with a classic rock vibe where the echoes make you feel like you are, in fact, lost in it. It successfully takes you on a trance that drifts away into a melody and back on the bass to rock out. “Lost In It” will cater more to the Skrillex fans.
Second up is the only song with a featured titled “Round Here-Dreams”. Atlanta new “it” boy Trinidad James’ vocals lend itself more so an instrument than a full verse as a “proper” Rap feature. In the beginning, it starts off with a keyboard playing as if it was a Coldplay track. Slowly, it starts to elevate and transition into a low-pitched tone and flows into a 2-step groove. The lyrics of the track are self-explanatory. We think the best part of the song is when its shifts to a more “in-your-face Trapstep track” with Trinidad James’ signature onomatopoeia “Woo!” that makes you want to wild out for a bit. In conclusion, this track showcases a Southern Trapstep tenor that represents a piece of each artist.
Following, the track “Girlfriend”, incorporates that Soul-step swing. We find it interesting how WTD can combine Dubstep, Soul-step, live instrumentation and striking lyrics to generate a vibrant track for listeners. It’s like a solved puzzle. A little of Motown music, here, with the current sound of today and then, brings it back to the 90’s-00’s Dubstep.
“Poppin’ Off” is a track that I had previously came across via MTV and the first time I saw their duck mascot and everyone dancing. It was intriguing. Its elements on this include the sounds of Reggae, Soul, Dance, Hip-Hop, Trapstep illustrating their musical roots as one. The funky sound brings diversity in one room that let’s all sorts of energies flow through your body to vibe. You feel them pouring their heart and soul.
“Freedomville” is a real good track because of the rap breakdown, yet more instrumental could have made it a little better. It’s like a narrated story-tale. It is more relaxing than the other tracks.
Personally, this EP can be more for the new dub generation with a combination of other music elements. That’s the reason of why this group sets apart from the rest out there. Yet, it may push some of the “true” Dubstep fanatics or artists due to how it is not just Dubstep. Watch The Duck can be a huge influence to today’s music. If you are familiar with Skrillex, Jimi Hendrix, Little Walter and Coldplay, you can understand the melting pot sound that Watch the Duck brings so vividly.
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