REVIEW: “Cállate” Continues New Dua Saleh Era
WRITTEN BY ANTHONY RATCHKOV
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Photo by Braden Lee
“Cállate” is the latest single off of Sudanese-American artist Dua Saleh’s upcoming album Of Earth & Wires. The album also features timeless collaborations with the acclaimed Bon Iver (the two had also previously worked together on Travis Scott’s My Eyes) and exciting upcoming releases with Gaidaa and aja monet.
Featuring a mellow guitar riff accompanied by an uptempo drum beat, this tune tells the story of two lovers in the continuation of this post-apocalyptic world that Dua Saleh has intricately crafted. The main lyrical Spanish phrase, “Cállate, cállame”, roughly translates in English to “shut up, shut me up”, highlighting some tension in the relationship. Dua Saleh described that “Sometimes, in high stress situations, lovers can crash out, but these two twin flames always find their way back home.”
All of this is complemented by an entertaining beat-switch in the percussion to more of a Jungle style groove, before fluidly transitioning back into the original beat. Fans of Dua Saleh’s vocals will thoroughly enjoy this song, with both her crisp verses and atmospheric vocals in the background providing an unmistakable sense of airiness. “Cállate” and the rest of the singles released so far off of Of Earth & Wires have a sound that suits the rest of Dua Saleh's discography while also sounding distinct, fresh, and compelling, highlighting a versatile artist.
“Cállate” is also the perfect match for the visual artwork that the Of Earth & Wires era has been displaying. The relaxing energy portrayed by these sand dune sunsets further places listeners into the pensive state of mind that goes best with listening to this piece of music.
The sonic characteristics and lyrical heartbeat of “Cállate” draw audiences into this creative vision by Dua Saleh.
The full album Of Earth & Wires releases on May 15. “Cállate” is out now.