A riff-driven and partially acoustic pop-rock anthem from expressive songwriter Mark Imperial is introduced by crisp and clean guitar work, and the melodically alluring and sad “WASTED” oozes through.
Mark Imperial, a Sydney-based Pop-Rock performer who was born in Australia and raised in the Philippines, is accepted as one of the most exceptional newcomers with a distinct musical vision and taste.
He dreamed of forming his own Pop-Rock band with his buddies when he was a youngster, inspired by bands like 5 Seconds of Summer, Blink-182, and Green Day. His passion for music was spurred by personal life experiences and unexpected seasons, leading to his artistic inspiration.
He released his first tune, “HEARTBREAKER,” on September 21, 2021 (his 23rd birthday), which was inspired by his experience and motivated by a passion for creating a “remedy” for brokenhearted people. The song was designed to have a sad, salty-emo feel to it. Still, its colorful and amusing depiction of loss delivered a positive message: going through a season of broken hearts can be joyful!
The contrast between the brightly colored music and the casual singing and the unmistakable aching and emo elements of the lyrics works brilliantly in this song, which is a calling card of Mark Imperial, and this song captivates for just these reasons.
Something akin to a classic rock hit, with outstanding musicianship and a delicate balance between a distinct character and the familiar, successful building blocks of pop.
The music, which showcases the combined creativity and skill of Mark Imperial, is traditional in tone yet unmistakably contemporary in its setting within today’s scene.
After a simple, descending verse melodic line – progressing through rapidly relatable, relevant lyrics, towards the ultimate resolution of the hook – “WASTED” weaves in a simple, descending verse melody, which is both comforting and fresh in its simplicity, as well as the interesting choice of a distant keys/synth echo of the same tune.
The single “WASTED,” which quickly progresses from good to great, ultimately proves to be one of the most creative and entertaining pop-rock tracks released this year. Mark Imperial has piqued my interest, and I look forward to hearing more from him.