By Juan Zambrano
What Are We Not Saying Now? the latest single from alternative duo Kadeema, encourages listeners to ponder its titular question, with powerful instrumentation and relevant lyrics.
On What We Are Not Saying Now? the listener walks in the shoes of someone whose appetite for answers and truth is left unquenched by a society who would rather leave the most important things unsaid. The protagonist spends the songs pondering what has led humanity to this state, what exactly is being left unsaid, and whether this silence has left society “lost like a boat on the ocean.” These questions and thoughts are at the heart of What We Are Not Saying Now? and are presented through direct and poetic lyrics, that ring frighteningly true in our current global landscape.
With a powerful and important message at its heart, it is imperative that the musical structure of What Are We Not Saying Now? meet the same standard. Fortunately Kadeema deliver, with a melody that gives their lyrics a heartbeat befitting a stadium-empowering rock anthem.
A steady and dominating drum pattern leads the charge, alongside the nearby echo of finger snaps and distant chants of the song’s titular question. This opening trifecta, combined with the underlying melodic layer of an electric guitar, instantly grabs the listener’s ear and prepares them for what lies ahead. An acoustic guitar then enters, joining its electric counterpart, as part of the melody that unassumingly surrounds the dominating rhythm section. All these elements build off their already strong foundation as the song progresses, ultimately reaching their peak at each chorus. This is, of course, the basic formula of the archetypal rock anthem and its use throughout What Are We Not Saying Now? perfectly encapsulates why it has stood the test of time so successfully.
Running in parallel to the instrumental are the vocals, which likewise build in power and urgency throughout. Things start out pensive and mildly subdued, before evolving into a passionate cry for answers at the chorus. It is a testament to the duo’s talent, however, that each of the protagonist’s musings hits the listener at maximum impact. Combine this with equally potent instrumentation and the result is What Are We Not Saying Now? a song which by its end leaves listeners just as hungry for answers to its titular question as the artists behind it.
What Are We Not Saying Now? is the latest single released in advance of Kadeema’s debut EP, Napoleon Tornapart. The EP is produced by Issac Carpenter and is described as “a sarcastic, fun batch of rock songs with loads of social commentary and personal reflection.” A more than fitting summary, at least if What Are We Not Saying Now is any indication of what’s to come.
Kadeema’s debut EP, Napoleon Tornapart, releases on June 26.
