MUSIC FOR YOUR EARS | REVIEW Making Progress By Alex Wellkers
Alex Wellkers’ latest offering, Making Progress, is part of his 2022 album
Famous Now, proudly presented by SMST. This Swiss artist, the mastermind behind the
one-man project, has traversed a diverse musical journey, demonstrating his passion and
versatility.
Originating in 2014, Wellkers began his musical exploration at the tender age of
6, starting with the accordion and eventually delving into harmonica, keyboard, and
classical guitar. His musical odyssey reached a turning point when he discovered his
true calling in Blues music, skilfully played on an electric guitar. The multitalented
artist started penning his first songs at the age of 11, initially in German, before
venturing into English as he embraced Grunge and Rock influences.
As his musical evolution continued, Wellkers dabbled in freestyle Rap as an MC
at the age of 16, sharing the stage in duets with a bassist. A phase dedicated to piano
playing ensued before he embarked on the journey of recording an EP, ‘pre,’ featuring
five tracks without any double tracks. The musical landscape demanded more,
prompting the creation of ‘see,’ a project that incorporated drums, basslines, and a band.
The momentum carried on with the release of the EP ‘what’ in 2015 and its
sequel, ‘aye,’ born out of online shop restrictions. The musical adventure took a
geographic turn as Wellkers relocated to Germany in 2017, where parts of ‘have’ and its
successors were recorded. Returning to Switzerland marked the completion of the
ambitious album Famous Now.
Now, delving into the standout track, Making Progress, one is greeted with a
meditative melody that projects a harmonious and bright sound. The rhythm is both
lively and striking, creating a vibrant and expressive musical canvas. The lyrics weave a
narrative that is not only memorable but also carries a deeper message, elevating the
song beyond the ordinary.
What stands out prominently is Wellkers’ attractive and gravelly voice, perfectly
complementing the right vibes and memorable verses. The track possesses an epic
quality with an electrifying effect, driven by high-energy flows and an invigorating
pace. The performance is nothing short of restless, delivering a staggeringly expressive
and flawlessly executed musical journey.
Production-wise, the instrumental arrangement is intricate, with the guitar,
drums, violin, and piano playing their roles precisely. The combination is both original
and refreshingly different, showcasing Wellkers’ musical prowess. The song unfolds as
a splendid piece, deriving its melody from the singer’s intonations and the symphony
produced by the instruments.
Beyond the auditory delight, Making Progress succeeds in conveying a strong
emotional impact. It effortlessly draws listeners into its compelling message from the
very beginning, making it an instant hit. The overall experience is truly spectacular, and
the meticulous production adds to its allure.
Recommendations are easy for a song of such calibre. To those who appreciate
great music and value quality, Making Progress is a must-listen. Music enthusiasts will
find themselves captivated by the skilful musicianship, and the flawless sound quality
injects an extra dose of energy into the experience. In the realm of Pop and Rock, this
track stands tall, representing the culmination of Alex Wellkers’ musical journey – an
intricate and masterfully crafted piece that deserves every bit of recognition it receives.
Review made by Lucy Cicioni
