SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: APAULL – FOUGHT AND WON

APAULL
FOUGHT AND WON
FURNACE ROOM RECORDS

Dutch Canadian music producer apaull is back on our radar, this time with Fought and Won. This LP is an interesting turn for him, as the electronic music artist is best known for his series of EP releases over the past few years. Instead of a short track list which might feature a few songs and perhaps a guest DJ remix, apaull expands his scope on this project.

Inspired by a series of his own paintings, Fought and Won shows apaull covering a lot of sonic and topical ground. Exploring ideas such as online bullying, the “trucker’s protest” occupation in Ottawa, and the consequences for a complacent society, the artist uses his dance-heavy soundscapes as a backdrop for his vision.

The album starts off in dramatic fashion with the lead-off track “Annul”, a wash of programmed synth and echo, heavy bottom end tones, and clean (yet progressively driving) drum patterns. The spoken refrain “You can’t cancel me, I’m already dead” plays and replays intermittently throughout the song, driving home the idea of online bullying and cancel culture.

Using spoken word snippets from news media and other sources is a common device for apaull. In a song like “Dogma(x)”, a simple exchange between a law enforcement officer and a citizen are featured at the beginning of the track, and are then later revisited as the song reaches its hypnotic, frenetic climax.

On Fought and Won, apaull continues to demonstrate his prowess as a sculptor of sound. His use of sound clips, sequencers, and spoken word all contribute to the overall feel of the album. High concepts aside, it is possible to enjoy this work simply as a kickass electronic dance album, but it is much more. Having built on the success of his single-focus aspect of his EP releases, apaull has created something truly interesting.

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