Mastering the Garage Rock Anthem
Released on Cage the Elephant's sophomore album Thank You, Happy Birthday, "Aberdeen" is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Vocalist Matt Shultz delivers the lyrics with a blend of spoken-word rhythmic verses and a soaring, gritty chorus.
Unlike polished pop ballads, this song demands attitude. The technical challenge lies in maintaining vocal health while producing that raw, "garage" sound. You need to project power without shouting from your throat. Let's break down the vocal strategy.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Jaw
Many singers tense their jaw to get the "grit" in the chorus. This actually restricts range. Our analysis shows that users who keep a relaxed, dropped jaw score 15% higher on pitch accuracy during the high G notes.
Phase 1: The Verses (Attitude & Rhythm)
The verses ("I've been trying to keep a hold on my hand...") are driven by the bassline. The delivery is almost conversational but strictly rhythmic. You are acting as a percussion instrument here.
The Trap: Don't sing this too melodically. It needs to be punchy and staccato. Focus on the consonants to lock in with the drum groove.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Build
As the guitar feedback swells, your volume needs to increase. This is where you transition from the "spoken" voice into your singing chest voice. You need to create tension without tightening your throat muscles.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus explodes with "Way back, way back...". This sits right in the "break" for many male singers (around F#4/G4). Matt Shultz sings this with a lot of forward placement.
- Tone: Use "twang" (a brassy sound quality) to cut through the heavy guitars.
- Breath: This section is high energy. Take deep, low breaths before the phrase starts to sustain the power.
- Pitch: The slide down on "Aberdeen" needs to be controlled, not lazy.
Phase 4: The Outro
The song ends with high intensity. The repetition of "Way back" requires stamina. Ensure you are engaging your diaphragm and not pushing from your upper chest, or you will fatigue before the final chord.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody hits consistent G4s and A4s in the chorus. It is a demanding track for staying in that upper-chest register.
Use vocal compression and forward resonance. Imagine aiming the sound at your front teeth. Do not just scream; that leads to vocal nodules.
Yes. The Singing Coach AI app allows you to transpose the track down by -1 or -2 semitones to make the high chorus notes more comfortable for Baritones.
