This review was paid for by Acting As Functional. If you too want me to review your music, or any other release of your choosing, please place a commission here.
Final verdict: 8/10 ★★★☆☆
Ladies and gentlemen, today I present you with what might be the most impressive redemption arc in all of music history; do you remember Acting as Functional? Way back in the day, I said I believed in his potential, and man was I right. In a rework of his earlier “Parachute,” Acting as Functional (also known as Adam) gave us “Tick Tock Bump and Boom,” and it is a serious improvement over its predecessor. Featuring fresh-out-the-box lyrics and a brand-spankin’-new arrangement, I would wager that this track finds the singer-songwriter in his strongest iteration to date.
I will elaborate, if you’ll allow me to; Adam’s lyrical style remains detached and surreal, that much is true – only now it comes across as less haphazard, and more intentional. Using some makeshift literary devices, he expresses feelings of uncertainty in one’s identity, addressing a person who he believes to be in a better place than himself. It is simple, yes, and yet it is elaborate. The metaphors are spicy, and the phrasing can most aptly be described as “captivatingly peculiar.” This guy has a style of his own, alright! His voice is – for lack of a better word – rather prudish, an attribute I find complements the ripe confusion of the meat rather well. The delivery serves the song well, that much I know.
But for what is arguably the biggest level-up; the arrangement here is complete, with smooth keyboards and an assortment of vocal chops taking the lead. This elevates a rather eccentric tune to greater heights, and gives it all a more complete pop feel, as opposed to a mere “demo” attitude. While Acting as Functional still has a long way to go, I would say that he is getting there – and most importantly, he’s already improved a lot in the span of a short 9 months. Trust me when I tell you that given some more time, he’ll be there. Define “there” as you will, but in my head, he will meet that point before long. “Parachute” is soundin’ funkier than ever, and so, the sky is the limit. Wouldn’t you agree, my dear reader? Wouldn’t you agree? Hey, dear reader, wouldn’t you agree? Because I would, were I in your shoes. Do you?
Leave a comment