In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, there is and has always been room for innovation. See How has seemingly taken this ethos to heart. We first came across the British music producer with his breakout single, “Can’t Be Me,” a track that pushes all the right buttons, catching the attention of industry insiders and music fans alike along the way. The track is a genre-blending gem that effortlessly fuses hyperpop, UK garage, and hip-hop.
“Can’t Be Me” looks to take you through the complexities of a failed relationship, and it does so with finesse. See How, also known as Chris Howell, constructs a rich and immersive soundscape that perfectly captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and the thrilling journey of self-discovery that often follows. The infectious production, meticulously crafted, incorporates elements of hyperpop, hip-hop, and afrobeat, seamlessly weaving them into a tapestry of sound that defies easy categorization. It’s a testament to See How‘s creative prowess that he can meld such diverse influences into a coherent and unforgettable two-minute experience.
The track is more than just a breakup anthem; it’s a visceral exploration of the aftermath of a relationship gone sour. As the vocals soar and dip, they deliver an emotional punch that resonates deeply with anyone who has found themselves in this situation. These vocals, borrowed from Splice and ingeniously reimagined, add an unexpected and enigmatic layer to the composition. The sharp and instantly memorable hook refrain of ‘She can’t be me, I hope she never has to meet me‘ infuses a sense of intrigue and even a hint of menace into the track, making it all the more compelling.
Elsewhere his second release “Do It,” feels like the quintessential summer anthem that demands a place on your beach playlist. See How infuses the track with an unapologetic and high-energy vibe. With its distinct retro feel and garage sensibilities, this serves to further show his versatility as an artist. It seamlessly weaves in and out of genres including UK garage, pop, and house, creating a unique sonic tapestry that’s undeniably fun and sounds both filled with nostalgia and boundless energy.
The latest song to date, “Beautiful Dreamer“, is a gorgeous electro-pop number that again nods to his versatility and ability to create an aural landscape that is both enchanting and uplifting. Right from the start, the gorgeous string-laden sparkle and intertwining vocal samples draw you in. The crisp vocals, featuring a title-touting refrain, are both engaging and memorable. As the track progresses, rhythmic escalations and vocal sample deftness take centre stage, The gradual build-up makes for a truly climatic listening experience. See How’s vision for “Beautiful Dreamer” is clear: something bigger and more cinematic than his previous singles.
With each release, See How continues to captivate and surprise, leaving us eagerly awaiting what he’ll unveil next. While these tracks mark See How‘s debut as a solo artist, he’s far from a newcomer to the music scene. His pedigree is well-established, having spent over a decade as one-half of celebrated electronic production duo Pariis Opera House. Their music has garnered accolades from BBC Introducing, and their innovative approach to songwriting and production has earned them praise from industry legends like Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson, and Nemone. With this new solo venture, See How is boldly venturing into uncharted territory, drawing inspiration from the likes of Jamie xx, Mura Masa, and Fred again. He takes these influences and weaves them seamlessly into his signature sound, infusing it with radio-friendly hooks and genre-blurring beats.
This is just the beginning of See How‘s solo journey, and it’s a compelling introduction to an artist brimming with ideas. As he continues to explore uncharted territories and collaborate with new talents, we can only anticipate more remarkable tunes to be pulled from his bag of tricks. In that regard, these releases arent just songs; they represent a promise of even greater things to come from an artist who’s just getting started.
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