Consistently credited as a ‘rising star’, Belgian rapper and vocalist GLINTS’ ‘Egotism’ is not uncalled for. Having already shared the stage with the likes of JAMIE XX, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING, and YEARS & YEARS, the young musician aims to fuse sweeping poetry with congenial pop music.
The introduction to ‘Egotism’ is encapsulating, droning and unusual in its sound. From the very start, the song feels as if it will tell you a pained and desperate tale. Glints’ lyrics then begin; the notoriously cockney accent is strikingly unexpected from the Belgium-raised musician. Acquired from his childhood summers spent near London, the cadence of his choppy vocals makes for crisp diction. Glints clearly wants his audience to understand every word of the story he wants to tell.
The chorus is slick and gliding; Glints’ staggered rap transforming into melodious singing. Relaxed in tempo, the crunch of percussion polishes the purring melody and the hum of the backing vocals. A tune to get your hands waving impulsively in the air, the chorus’ hook is entrancing and uncomplicated: making for an excellent juxtaposition to the following verse yet to come.
The second verse is by far the song’s most mesmerising element. Layers of the chorus’ temperate sounds are deconstructed, allowing full attention to fall on the musician’s rap. An intriguingly unconventional approach to a rap verse, Glints takes it slow. His words sounding bitter and troubled, but also enamoured. The rap becomes a thrilling hook, guiding you through to the next chorus and the song’s unexpectedly soon conclusion.
Along with his previous single ‘Catalyst’, ‘Egotism’ will be found on Glints’ forthcoming sophomore EP Burgandy.
Words by ABBEY LENTON
SEE ALSO
‘SAPPHIRE’ BURNS BRIGHT AS WEIRDO’S LATEST SINGLE
GET AROUND GOODBYE MOON’S SOMBRE NEW SINGLE ‘OVERBITE’
PREMIERE: SCATTERBRAIN SHARES GENRE DEFYING EP, “QUATRE BRAS”
