Abz Winter
Abz Winter
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Big fan of this artist from Coventry, UK. Abz Winter has released over a dozen songs in the past 3 years, got radio play on the BBC, hit a bunch of big stages around Coventry, Birmingham and London, and has also been featured on ITV’s “Walk The Line.” Why? Well, as with anything in life, it’s never just one thing, so here’s why - she has a solid voice with a unique tone and clear phrasing, she writes biting and introspective lyrics that are relatable to her peers, the production on her tracks is top notch and never gets in the way of her vocals, and, she’s got a hell of a work ethic. Her latest track, “Red Flags,” is a perfect example of this - here’s our review:
Downstrokes in a minor kick us off at about 154 bpm. Nice little vocal effect helps sweep in her voice, with the melody starting on the 3rd. Lyrics are syncopated and accusatory - with a very nice mix. You can tell right away that she’s got something major to get off her chest and I love the choice of keeping the vocals as dry as possible to help make this as “in your face” as possible, and, make the listener focus on the lyrics. A lesser singer would hide behind a Vocoder or distortion to help build intensity, Abz doesn’t need it. Also, as a Yank, I have to say I dig the accent. First verse is a solid build as the second half brings in drums, bass and some backgrounds - but all of them are straightforward - no need to go overboard here - and it works well.
The pre-chorus really helps this song take off with a great build up on the snare and a different approach with the timing of the vocal delivery. Solid change up that feels like a rocket about to take off. When the chorus drops the band explodes and the tones expand. I love how everything is a bed of tones - from the guitars and bass, to the drums and keyboards. The only lead line piercing through is the melody, and it sits well in the mix. I like the choice of effects on her voice here, it’s a nice separation from the verse and helps expand the song.
Second verse brings in the full band to keep the intensity growing, and here again Producer Imad Salhi does a great job of keeping everything in check - nothing gets in the way, no part is boastful. The addition of the background vocal parts is a nice touch, showing her ability to take a softer approach when needed. Love that pre-chorus when it comes around to rocket launch us into that killer chorus. I’m not sure what tones are being employed to lay down that massive bed - sounds like old school synths and some massive Smashing Pumpkin’s style guitars - but I love it, it’s a great compliment to her vocal tone.
Bridge keeps up the heavy tones and drops into a half-time feel. The tones are getting thicker, reminding me of Muse and Prodigy. It’s a well constructed segment that fits the song well. As it ends, they flip the scrip on the pre-chorus and take out the drums - leaving Abz to deliver the build-up. It’s a mirror of the intro and a great compliment. Last two choruses keep adding in the layers and you can easily see the crowd seeing along - the stadium exploding. Great track, great writing, and another solid delivery from Abz Winter.
Make sure you scroll down to catch her socials and other tracks. “It’s Not Your Movie” is a great up-tempo pop track that shows another side to Abz’s tone. Great vibrato control, a bit of soul, and another perfect modern production from Producer Imad Salhi. “B.S.” is probably her edgiest track, with a great mix-up of rock, pop and hip hop. Love the production - the mix of modern beats, dry guitars and killer synths. “Under Me” is a great pop and dance track that really shows off how versatile her vocals can be. She can swing low with some Adele-like tones, rip through a rap delivery, add tender backgrounds, and be mainstream pop at the same time. No wonder she continues to get access to better stages and opportunities - she’s got one of the better voice on the independent scene today. Great work, Abz!