We got to know SQWD back in September of 2020 when he released the single, “The Off Chance You Love Me”. That was the first cut off what would be a full length album. Less than 6 months later and that LP is a reality. Before I Crashed Down is, in my opinion, SQWD’s best and most cohesive project to date. If I listened to this album without knowing who made it I would legitimately assume it was a Flume or Diplo project.
It’s a really solid mix of hard/fast and more toned down, vibey songs.
The opening track, “I Was the Last One” starts off sounding a little like an OZZIE trap remix. The song has a simple hook that repeats throughout.
The drop will have your jaw on the floor. This was definitely a smart way to open up a record.
“Eyes” is a radio ready pop song with features from Adir Tov and K4Kody.
If you told me this was Justin Bieber and Diplo I would believe you, straight up. This is definitely SQWD’s version of Top 40 and I think it’s a massive success.
“Memorize” has a Robot-Kanye type build up in the intro that I absolutely love.
This one has a super glitchy, intricate beat. The amount of work that went into this sound design is incredible. If you’re not listening with headphones you’re missing out.
“I Could Be Me For A Second” is a calmer, lush track and serves as a nice break from the intensity of the beginning of this record.
We get blessed with the first of two amazing features by CARLIE, who has again outdone herself.
“Toxic Life” is a syrupy slow ballad that I honestly wasn’t expecting.
This really shows how diverse Sqwd wanted this album to be. I’m always impressed when the songs aren’t carbon copies but still fit together.
“En Masse Technologica” is a ultra chill instrumental interlude that blends seamlessly into the next track.
The intro to “You Make Me Happy” reminded me of Sigur Ros (if they played electronica). Another great, glitchy track. This one feels like being inside a video game.
“Mess Me Up” is a totally unexpected industrial turn. It shows a whole different side to Sqwd’s music that is markedly darker than anything I’ve heard from him before.
The song does have a nice bright break it it to provide a bit of balance.
“The Reality is That Nothing Matters” has a faint dirty south influence to it. To me, this track has the most style and experimental moments off the album.
“The Off Chance You Love Me” was the only song I was familiar with before the album came out. This track has a special place in my heart and was the first time I became acquainted with one of my favorite vocalists, CARLIE.
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