Australian producer Chris Emerson aka What So Not, sure knows how to make a banger. There is no doubt about that. However, many wondered if he would be able to translate his ability to blend different genres into a fully-fledged and concise album. With his debut album, Not All The Beautiful Things, What So Not proves that his musicality is far beyond what the industry and fans alike would expect.
While the overall project shines, there are a couple moments that truly make the album special.
Warlord (feat. Slumberjack)
Emerson taps fellow Aussie producers Slumberjack to collaborate on the opening track for the album and it makes sense why. ‘Warlord’ opens with what sounds like trumpets and high-pitched synths, reminiscent of welcoming a ruler to the stage as they survey their land. When the heavy bass and drops that Slumberjack are known for finally hit, it’s like all out warfare. The rest of the song culminates into a somber ending, as the warlord looks over the destruction they have wrung. The song clocks in at 2 minutes and 55 seconds and each second is vital to the overall masterpiece that is its story.
Goh (feat. Skrillex & KLP)
Skrillex and Emerson have worked together before on ‘Waiting’ with RL Grime so this collaboration wasn’t a surprise, but the complexity in the track is. Skrillex is a juggernaut so the ability to hold one’s own on a track with him is commendable. In ‘Waiting’ the song felt like it was run by Skrillex and RL Grime with brief glimpses of WSN. However, on Goh, Emerson’s style of distorted guitars and brief relapses of swelling piano that accompany KLP’s soft vocals beautifully, are the true star of this song. Sure, Skrillex is still clearly in this song with his heavy drops and “yo!” interspersed, but Emerson is no longer being eclipsed by the giant, but standing beside him.
We Keep On Running (feat. Toto)
What So Not has a lot of surprise guests on his album, but the addition of Toto to the classic rock inspired ‘We Keep On Running’ is spectacular. The marriage of distorted guitars and synths gives off the impression that it could be off any album from the ‘Africa’ hit makers. The use of the instrumentation is key because it perfectly showcases Emerson’s ability as a producer and researcher. It is clear that ‘We Keep On Running’ was made with Toto in mind, with guitar and beats that sound like a call back to some of Toto’s old work rather than just the other way around. The song is a delight to listen to and when the chorus finally hits, listeners feel like Rocky at the top of the steps: invincible.
If You Only Knew (feat. San Holo & Daniel Johns)
If the vocals of any 80’s rock band had a baby with modern day electronic music, this would be the resulting child. The underlining guitar that is seen throughout reminds listeners of the trilling in a Santana song, while Daniel Johns’ voice conveys the power ballad quality that is credited to rockers like Steven Tyler. When the final chorus kicks in and the guitar is out in full force with Johns belting in high falsetto, it’s hard not to be transported to another age. ‘If You Only Knew’ showcases that when two geniuses like San Holo and What So Not come together with a truly magical singer, that a masterpiece can be born.
Monsters (feat. Michael Christmas & Tobi Lou)
Not All the Beautiful Things is an exemplary example of how an artist can be both the classic “EDM” artist with the drops and big hits, but also just be a simple producer with a fantastic beat. This minimalism is best displayed on the rap/hip-hop influenced track, ‘Monsters.’ We as listeners have been conditioned to believe that whenever a rapper and electronic producer collaborate that there is going to be an electronic music break after each verse. ‘Monsters’ is proof that this doesn’t have to be the case. The focus of this song is Michael Christmas and Tobi Lou. When Christmas raps, you aren’t on the edge of your seat waiting for a breakdown. When Lou comes in on the chorus, it is accompanied by a soft and slow backing rather than a loud and bellowing beat which allows his vocals to soar. It’s simple and clean. It’s beautiful.
It’s safe to say that Not All The Beautiful Things is a triumph for Emerson. The blending of genres and complexity that can be seen throughout the album is fresh and exciting. No two songs sound the same which could easily tip into a hot mess, but Emerson brings it back by including his penchant for musicality and live instrumentation into each track. This album breathes and flows with life and culture without feeling overproduced. It’s exciting and new and is only a glimpse as to what What So Not has yet to accomplish.
Stream Not All The Beautiful Things below.
Words by Elise Smith.
