AVATARI – “Fighter” [Song Review]

AVATARI is the solo project of musician, actor, and singer-songwriter Ari Welkom, who unveils his new single, “Fighter,” a song about fighting through the hard times and difficulties of life.

Before going solo, Ari Welkom spent several years fronting bands in Los Angeles, touring nationally, and playing major festivals, including Outside Lands, Bonnaroo, Life is Beautiful, and SXSW.

Many of his songs are also recognizable from their placements on primetime TV shows including Netflix’s Startup and Amazon’s Absentia. “Legacy,” AVATARI’s debut single, was licensed by Rolls-Royce for their Ghost ad campaign. He’s also appeared in major TV Shows: ABC’s The Rookie, The Middle, and NBC’s Days of Our Lives, as well as films, including Brick with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

When the pandemic arrived, he sequestered himself in the studio, fine-tuning his sound, a sound that’s both anthemic and uniquely personal – big pop hooks and tight grooves with an alt-rock edginess.

AVATARI, photo by Anna Azarov

Resonant soul-pop vocal harmonies infuse the intro of “Fighter” with echoing, chain-gang-like energy. A muscular rhythm finances potent support for AVATARI’s vocals, ranging from low and melodic to fiercely soaring, revealing defiant intensity. Hints of delicious gospel swing run through the melody, suffusing it with brash audacity.

With “Fighter,” AVATARI confronts his nemesis with a sprawling oomph. It’s a raw, feisty song full of emphatic self-assurance.

Run Time: 3:16
Release Date: March 6, 2024
Record Label: Independent