Acclaimed Canadian artist Ed Roman unveils a funky protest anthem with recent single “Pawnshop Ghettoblaster,” which is also accompanied by a short animated music video. The visual success is a collaboration with digital illustrator Paul Ribera of Raincloud Stories, whose work Roman describes as “fractals evolving within themselves.” The video zooms in across various realms — with hands acting like an operator on a smartphone, though with the ensuing visuals ranging from graphic novel intrigue to political references and insightful visual commentary.
“Pawnshop Ghettoblaster” navigates with a funky charisma from the get-go, as slap-bass charisma and debonair guitars traverse seamlessly into a cooling vocal presence. The 5/4 time traverses with engaging uniqueness, invoking influences like jazz legend Dave Brubeck. “Pawnshop Ghettoblaster is gonna trade my soul for a four string master,” Roman’s vocals exude initially, gearing up into a catching “now” refrain. More expressive guitar elements arrive in the second half, while various vocal layers intertwine cohesively. In both its video and original track form, “Pawnshop Ghettoblaster” plays a memorable success from Ed Roman.
Stream the rest of his new album, Are You Ok?, below:
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
