SINGLE REVIEW: Clydesdale – Pressurized
Clydesdale is the brainchild of 24-year-old Chicago-based artist Will Strato, who handles everything himself — writing, recording, mixing — bouncing between his bedroom and Chicago’s iconic Music Building. That total control really shows in ‘Pressurized’, a sharp and tightly built track that thrives on its clarity and character. It's fiercely independent in spirit, but doesn’t sound scrappy or undercooked — it’s got purpose, punch, and a strong sense of identity. Even without hearing his earlier DIY output, it’s clear this one marks a confident, deliberate leap forward.
Chiming guitars and rugged riffs collide over a thumping, hook-heavy beat that drives the track forward with jittery momentum. The vocals — delivered in a new wave–styled, articulate cadence — are packed with personality and edge, leaning into an arty theatricality without ever tipping into pretension. There’s a slightly raw, unpolished grain to the mix that keeps things grounded, but it’s not messy. It’s textured and deliberate, like he knows exactly how to let things breathe or bite.
What makes ‘Pressurized’ pop is how natural the genre fusion feels. It weaves the restless energy of punk, the jangly charm of jangle pop, the angular flair of new wave, and a touch of indie grit into something that never feels stitched together or overthought. The result is both catchy and distinctive — not aiming to revolutionise anything, but certainly capable of standing out. There’s no sense of Strato chasing trends or cosplaying styles — he’s simply distilling everything he loves into a sound that feels honest, animated, and entirely his. And that, ultimately, is what gives this track its staying power.
