Brandon Szabo’s latest release, Like This, arrives with a kind of urgency that feels less manufactured than necessary. There’s a raw intent embedded in its structure, something that doesn’t merely aim to entertain but to activate. From the opening moments, the track establishes a rhythmic foundation that is both assertive and deliberate, almost marching forward with a quiet sense of defiance. It doesn’t rush, yet it never relaxes. That tension—held, sustained—is one of the song’s most defining characteristics.
The rhythm section plays a central role in shaping the identity of Like This. Built on a firm, hard-hitting pulse, the beat carries a weight that feels physical. It lands with precision, avoiding unnecessary embellishments, and instead focuses on impact. There’s a subtle layering at work: percussive elements slip in and out of the mix, sometimes barely noticeable, yet crucial in maintaining forward momentum. The groove doesn’t swing; it drives. And that choice reinforces the track’s underlying message—direct, unwavering, and resistant to compromise.
Above this rhythmic backbone, the synth work unfolds with a careful sense of restraint. Rather than overwhelming the listener with dense textures, the production leans into clarity. The synths are sharp, occasionally metallic, cutting through the mix with a controlled brightness. At times, they stretch into more atmospheric territory, creating a sense of space that contrasts with the grounded beat below. This interplay between density and openness gives the track a dynamic quality, allowing it to breathe without losing intensity.
There’s an interesting duality in the way the synth layers are arranged. On one hand, they feel mechanical, almost rigid in their repetition. On the other, there are moments where they seem to dissolve slightly, introducing a more fluid, almost introspective tone. It’s in these transitions that Like This reveals a deeper emotional undercurrent. The track isn’t static; it evolves, even if subtly, and those shifts contribute to an atmosphere that feels both confrontational and reflective.
The overall atmosphere of the piece is where everything converges. There’s a sense of empowerment running through it, but it’s not delivered in an overt or overly polished way. Instead, it feels earned—built through the steady accumulation of rhythmic pressure and tonal intensity. The soundscape suggests resilience, not as an abstract concept but as something grounded in experience. It doesn’t ask for attention; it commands it, quietly but firmly.
What sets Like This apart is its refusal to dilute its message. There’s a clarity of purpose here that translates directly into the music’s structure. Each element, from the beat to the synth lines, seems aligned with a central idea. Nothing feels accidental. Even the moments of relative stillness carry weight, acting as brief pauses rather than breaks. The track understands pacing, and more importantly, it understands when to hold back.
Szabo’s approach to sound design reinforces this sense of intention. The production avoids excessive polish, allowing certain edges to remain slightly rough. That decision adds character, making the track feel more immediate, more human. It’s a subtle detail, but one that contributes significantly to the listening experience. There’s a tactile quality to the sound, as if each layer has been placed with care rather than simply assembled.
In the broader context of contemporary releases, Like This stands out for its focus. It doesn’t chase trends or rely on familiar formulas. Instead, it builds its identity through consistency and conviction. The rhythmic drive, the controlled use of synth textures, and the carefully shaped atmosphere all point toward a cohesive artistic vision.
This is a release that doesn’t fade into the background. It holds its ground, insisting on being felt as much as heard. And in doing so, it offers something that lingers—not just as a sound, but as a presence.
