Modus Operandi
‘ If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.’
Wise words from our Canadian cousin Alyasa-GK as he presents his debut offering for the world to see. A fusion of Rap/Rock, it is a combination of two genres that have always been much maligned and the centre of attention for the wrong reasons. Expect explicit lyrics, however the dulcet tones that carry them are quite sublime. There is a peace amidst the anger, a beauty within the ugliness that he sings about and also a glimmer of hope that we all have a chance to ‘chase my dreams with no fear’.
We begin with the single ‘Ghost Mode’ and it is a nifty little sweetener plying the benefits of working alone, focussed and industrious. The chant of ‘ghost, rumour, legend, myth’ is funky, words drifting effortlessly off the tongue.
The changes in vocal pitch and tone accentuate the music and words, exciting to listen to but also quite enigmatic. There is a flow, a rhythm that provides access to hidden depths, ones that we may not want to explore. The message is in the title ‘Perfectly Flawed’, we all possess different qualities by our nature, by our design, and in order to progress and fulfil our lives, we begin with acceptance. There is a subtlety that captivates and motivates that we must do better to be better. Alyasa- GK is a storyteller; weaving and winding his way through life and by that token the songs here are of no surprise. There is plenty going on so he can pick his topics at will.
‘Space Rock’ is a jumping, jiving, crazy ass number in the style of The B52’s, I really got some ‘Love Shack’ moves going on.
‘Night Life’ speaks of a dangerous reality for some as they risk it all on the streets. There is truth in the lyric ‘tomorrow isn’t promised, so live it up’ and complemented by the voice of featured artist Alecsandra, this is a soulful outing, full of risk and knowledge that the night has potential.
The finale is ‘Midnight’ with guest appearance from singer-songwriter Jordon Woolley and with a streetwise bravado we proceed to ‘acting like nothing matters, so fuck it, push that button’, well who’s ready, form an orderly queue please.
An altogether powerful and poignant body of work, warnings rubbing shoulders with tender moments, you need to watch him my friends, he moves like a ghost.
Azra Pathan
Alyasa -GK – Perfectly Flawed out now via self- release.