Les Fradkin – System Crash Single Review: Powerful and Dreamy

Electro-rock is a unique feel for the genre. This feel hits home when piloted by an ace such as Les Fradkin, of Beatlemania fame, in his latest single System Crash. This single, originally written in 2003, is a dreamy rock and roll ride full of musical surprises. With some expert composition and dramatic instrumentals, System Crash also delivers some lyrics that seem surprisingly modern given the time it was conceived. It comes together to create a cinematic experience that lives up to its namesake.

The contemplative whimsy of the intro eases itself into the soft vocals of Les Fradkin smoothly. The instrumentals only get more and more robust as the track goes on, with more instruments entering the track in subtle ways, backed up by some wavy and wild synths. When the cymbal crashes and the tone picks up, the percussion grabs hold and gives the track a new structure.

There is quite a bit going on after this point, as the vocals and instrumentals build up to crash into a harmonic guitar solo that breaks it all down. It is then rebuilt with a new pulse to keep it marching on. It seems thematic with the lyrics, with lines such as “Some folks like the status quo, other ones see thru a new rainbow” Other lines in the chorus also reflect this, such as “one day if it’s not too late, gotta find a way to a system update!” There is always a mood of optimistic change throughout the track, even during the more turbulent portions, which will keep your head moving.

The feel of System Crash is direct and expressive. Everything from the whimsical synths and dreamy flute, to the pulsing drums and the wailing guitars feels right where it should be. The chaotic and noisy build-ups lead to excellent breakdowns that reinvent the track through its various “crashes.” This goes hand-in-hand with the message conveyed in the lyrics to give it a real sense of personality. While it isn’t for everyone, the cinematic and whimsical ride the track creates is undoubtedly creative and is most certainly worth a listen to judge for yourself.