Fear is the debut album by London-based producer and songwriter Odd Wall, released by his own Odd Wall Music record label. It is a valiant record, displaying his resilience across 14 songs over the duration of 35 minutes. Covered in lyrical brilliance and masterful production, Fear puts Odd Wall at center stage due to his identity reflecting throughout the entire record. There was anticipation for his debut because he has quickly come to notice despite starting to release his music from 2020, and Fear definitely does not disappoint.
Raised in Edmonton, London, hip-hop and UK garage were some of the genres that influenced Odd Wall, who spent years DJing across the UK and abroad. His shift to writing and recording his own music has given him the opportunity to creatively express himself, and the fact that he has put his heart and soul into Fear cannot be doubted. Not shying away from delving into deeply personal subjects, Odd Wall opens the record by telling us he is “motivated by fear” and that he hates being scared to do something. It is something that we can all relate to, but in Odd Wall’s case, it’s a way of life which is evident in the tracks that follow. Because of how raw and powerful the album is, we can only appreciate that it does not restrict itself to a singular categorization – it jumps from one genre to another, explores one tone and reflects with another, introduces us to a melody, and then familiarizes us with hard hitting verses.
One of the most stellar aspects of the album is the featuring of 13 artists, which makes it a truly globally accessible record. With the fluidity regarding stylistic preferences adopted on the album, Odd Wall has managed to assemble wonderfully talented artists who share his vision and help us appreciate it. That’s why ‘Convenience’ sounds like it’s straight out of an EP influenced by the Weeknd, ‘Open Up’ is an exemplar lyrical rap song, ‘Lucky’ sounds like a pop song you would be happy to hear on the radio, and yet all of them have an inexplicable synergy and do exactly what Odd Wall describes – “fit together like a puzzle.” Songs like ‘Radio’ which is a dedication to his friend that passed away, and ‘Nicu’ which was written when his son was in intensive care using the sound of the machines in the neonatal unit, expose us to the human side of Odd Wall and help us see the man behind the music. It is sheer devotion and dedication to the art that pushes Fear the extra mile and gives it an unforgettable character.
If you’re someone who likes music because it helps you understand and connect to the person behind the talent, Fear is an excellent fit for you. Odd Wall is a visionary, and like most visionaries, he has collaborated with those who share the same vision. The result is the inauguration of an encouraging career, and Fear will stand as a record that defines who Odd Wall is.