We continue our journey into spoken word with a deeply meaningful piece, ‘The General’ by New York City-based creative Xen Wonder. His sonic imprint is incredibly gloomy, intense, and aurally striking. Wrapping the listeners into a witty commentary of present society – including the need for constant gratification through consumerism – the talented artist showcases his ability to look deeper into the reality around him, shining a light on its flaws and idiosyncrasies.
‘The General’ is supported by an icy, earthy and raw instrumental, introduced by industrial textures and later a sharp, dry beat. Wonder’s vocal flow is delivered with understated energy, almost whispering, a sign that Xen doesn’t need to shout to get his message across. In fact, the quieter his tone is, the more hypnotising the final result is. Overall, it’s a triumph on all fronts.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the piece, Wonder explains: “In a broader sense it’s a comment on capitalism and consumerism; how you have to be a lot of things all at once always to stay ahead of the curve, it’s almost like you are in a race with yourself. The song subtly addresses this feeling: either you consume or you get consumed. There’s a lot of hidden angst in the lyrics”.
Recommended! Discover ‘The General’ on Spotify:
