eno-obong On the Making Of ‘Piedmont Park’
What was the creative process like for this particular ‘Piedmont Park?’
Unorganized and random honestly. Beat-wise, my goal was to create a thicker sound at the time. Not try to be too overbearing but get better in the middle frequencies. These were a collection of beats that didn’t really have a concept until I scoured the internet for an idea. Usually, I watch documentaries on YouTube or David Hoffman is always great but nothing was clicking.
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of ‘Piedmont Park?’
I’ve always had this idea of a calm party atmosphere. Like if a club was relaxed but actually had a great, engaging vibe. Originally I was going to work on an Angel Dust idea going through a club in the early 70’s throughout the night as different adventures happened. Kinda worked, kinda didn’t. But that made me think of the best party under wraps. Freaknik.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for the EP?
I like to run my audio through analog gear, cassette players, and outboard effects. I use an sp-303/sp-404 for my compression and run everything through a cassette player. In the parts where I am talking, I warped a few tape loops and added those as top-layer effects.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I’m a sample-based and electronic music producer from Houston, Texas creating since 2014. My goal is to defy genre boundaries by fusing jazz, electronic, ambient, and drum and bass into something new to experience. I’m influenced by John and Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, Flying Lotus, Sam Gellaitry, and MF Doom. I really started turning my ear to music in middle school. Instead of what was on the radio down south, I enjoyed Pro Era and Clear Soul Forces. Once I got the crack version of FL in 2013 the rest is history.
Have you ever encountered resistance or pushback when experimenting with your art? If so, how did you handle it?
Yes, every day to push the boundaries you are putting yourself in new uncomfortable situations. Having time to create is a big deal, not even because I have a normal job. But because I’m learning the extra things you have to do for music to not only satisfy me but speak to others. Coming up with promotion plans, contact lists, and collaborating with other artists. Hearing the no’s and getting left on read. As my homie ShermStx would say, the high’s and the low’s. They are always there but I’m at a point where I can look back and be proud I never stopped creating or let anyone tell me what I believe should be good.
Pronto Valid On the Making Of “'08 CIVIC”
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in "'08 CIVIC?"
A: Yeah most people would think this song was about a car but I'm not too much of a car guy. The title and some of the lyrics use the different cars I speak about as a simile to my mind body and soul. The idea of the song was to speak on my growth as an artist from the time when I had this old 2008 Honda Civic coupe, to who I am now and the car that I'm riding in (red Hyundai), and where I want to be in the future (Mclaren) + my perspective constantly changing along the way.
What impact do you hope "'08 CIVIC" will have on your audience or the music industry?
A: I hope that it helps propel my career forward for sure, but in terms of grand-scheme impact, I just hope it helps someone out there find some sense of peace. It's a crazy world we live in today and people are just looking for ways to connect & understand each other - I hope this song can give them that feeling in some way.
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
A: My favorite moment had to be when we were outside doing the drone shots for the opening scene. That night in particular was a vibe with the overall scenery of the skyline against the summer sunset, and the semi-liveliness around the area (Chinatown Chicago). Plus it was my first time having a drone shot for a music video so it was cool to see how it works. Though the part that I didn't like about it was smoking cigarettes during those scenes - I think you could tell by my face (if you know me well enough) that I was grossed out since I haven't smoked cigarettes in years.
Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
A: It's really tough to say. I always had a love and passion for music, hip-hop in particular, and I would write lyrics at a young age. But I would have to say around the time when I was 15-16 and I decided to take music much more seriously. Originally I thought I would be a physicist or an athlete, but the urge to make and constantly listen to music made me want to completely immerse myself in it around that age. It definitely helped me through some dark times and continues to even to this day.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your own sound?
A: Some of my biggest musical influences would have to be Lupe Fiasco, Drake, J. Cole, and Mac Miller (R.I.P.). I could name a whole list of others like Tupac and all of the other goats but I think we would be here for a long time. I say Lupe Fiasco because of his Chicago roots and the flows that he switches through + his insane lyricism. Drake influenced me in the sense of having good vocal control & tone, cadence, and overall versatility. J. Cole's music influenced me by giving me a feel for the heart and soul behind the lines and Mac Miller influenced me because of his energy and overall vibe in his music. Also, his growth as an artist for some reason really resonates with me as do all of the others I mentioned. Some songs give me a serious sense of nostalgia.
Sounds Like Jamie “Coming To You From The Man-Cave”
Coming To You From The Man-Cave sees a vibrant and whimsical blend of hip hop, jungle, rock and funk, weaving into a series of rare phenomena. Sounds Like Jamie pushes the envelop of genres with this album, in his pursuit of expressing the different tastes of life. Coming To You From The Man-Cave sees his creativity in a fierce rippling effect. From thought-evoking moments to encouragement to insight-sharing, Sounds Like Jamies navigates the overlooked moments in our daily life with wisdom and whims. Coming To You From The Man-Cave might not fit into your conventional expectation, but it’s full of charm.
Taking inspirations from a diverse group of artists such as Linkin Park, Beastie Boys, The Prodigy and Pendulum with drawing references from Nerdcore Hip-Hop and video games, Sounsd Like Jamies takes listeners to a stimulating audio-visual journey, immersing you with the unexpected and the bursting. Each track in this album is special. They delivers distinctive experiences, yet together, they convey a grand artistic vision that is unbending and unique.
Coming To You From The Man-Cave is the kind of art that leaves you feel uplifted and inspired. The sky doesn’t have a limit in this album. One’s potential can be limitless, only one has the spirit to challenge oneself. In a way, Coming To You From The Man-Cave is grounding—its ideas derived no further from our daily life, but in the form of art, it aims the stars.
888moment “Tokyo Drill”
The hard-hitting “Tokyo Drill” sees Maryland-based rapper 888moment and Toronto-based rapper SG SLAV joining force, bringing a mind-bending alternative hip hop track to light. With punchy drill beats and heavy 808s, “Tokyo Drill” shines on its authenticity and bleeding rawness. It hits hard and it hits home. With the two’s unfiltered honesty and fierce creativity, a resonance, a profound connection is formed in this very track that intertwined the distinctive styles of two into one thread of expression.
Surprising and expansive, SG SLAV’s swords of words make a strong first impression, but when 888moment’s soulfully rich vocal kicks in the hook, the track deepens. Like cracking up its hard layers of defenses and feeling the beating of a heart, with all its feelings, strength and vulnerability. “Tokyo Drill” hits different.
The track marks the first release from the duo’ upcoming album Demonz 2, scheduled to be released on April 20. Bonded by their love of hip hop and storytelling, 888moment and SG SLAV is set to take the world by storm.
SINGLE REVIEW: KOA “OUT OF MY REACH”
Staff Pick
Photo creditL @sakiakivilo
“Out Of My Reach” is a song you could really sit and let it sink you in. Inspired by the way people enjoy skipping to their favorite part of the song and changing it, KOA took a leap of faith and converted three songs into one. Representing the rapid change in the way we feel and see ourselves, the song breaks down to three different stages of the mental struggle between self and outside opinions: anger, frustration; pretend, and giving in to the black hole.
Maybe it was the way “Out Of My Reach” was produced, the song gives you a constant high that doesn’t resolve when the music stops. The distant “be greater” echoes in the background like a curse in the pain-filled texture, every word KOA wrote seems to speak directly to your heart. From its gloomy, slightly disoriented soundscapes to haunting, mesmerizing melodies, the surreal, distorted vocals, and chant-like rhythms only hit you harder.
KOA consists of two brothers from Arizona, Austin & Jagger Spacy. Coming from different perspectives in the creative industry, the two join forces with an even stronger collaboration KOA.
SINGLE REVIEW: WOTTS “SUNNYSIDE”
Discovery
“Sunnyside” marks a turning point for Wotts following what their inspirations and hearts lead them — a gradual shift from hip-hop to indie pop. The song aims to recapture the nostalgic, tickling feeling of defining first love that sets the foundation for all tastes and likes. Wotts traced back to the initial calling, tuned into the pulsing energy, and brought us back the fuzzy warmth of shoegaze — “Sunnyside” immediately drags you into the energy of a glory time when the sun was bright and everything was swirling under the disco light.
Despite the retro theme, “Sunnyside” is a celebration of the present. Heavily influenced by contemporary artists of the indie disco pop genre, such as Dayglow, Tame Impala, etc, the song finds its unique modern adaption with technology and re-imagination.
“The last couple of years have been tough for a lot of people. Towards the end of our time recording our last record, we started to feel good about life again. This song is a shoutout to that feeling, and our way to give ourselves a pass to enjoy a good moment till it lasts,” said Jayem, and Rick 100 added, “Even if there’s a lot of terrible shit happening, you shouldn’t feel bad about being happy and enjoying a silver lining. moments like that come and go, so hold onto them while you can”
Glistening soundscape and swirling synth pads, a retro beat in addition to an ethereal vocal with a speck of hipness, Wotts blends multi-genre on “Sunnyside” which in turn become the creation of their characteristic sound that reminds you of a little bit of everything but not tied down to anything.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: MEZMAH “SMOKE + MIRRORS”
Song of the Day
Through “Smoke + Mirrors,” the rapper/artist Mezmah brings to light the tragic, untold story of a neighbor he used to live with next door being subjected to domestic violence. Reflecting and reinterpreting violent acts which he heard through the wall at an age when he could not fully understand the meaning, Mezmah approached this sensitive yet common topic with empathy and a heavy heart.
Punchy beats and moody backdrops paved the deep, emotive sonic background for his powerful storytelling in the piercing wordplay. Revolving around the captivating, punctuated hook, smoke and mirror had another layer to their imageries and metaphors.
Music is a form in which Mezmah voices his truth. Mezmah is known for his introspective storytelling and unfiltered perspective, shedding light on social-political unrests. His work is often deep and contemplative yet hits you right in the gut with raw and real lyricism.
EP REVIEW: TAMARA JENNA “PLEASURE FROM PAIN”
Discovery
When personal growth meets creativity, they spark something vulnerable and beautiful. Pleasure From Pain from the UK-based artist Tamara Jenna takes shape in it most organic shape. The album collects a wide range of tracks from the darkest of the dark to the warmest of the warm. In its kaleidoscopic mixture of R&B, hip-hop, and Grime rooted in the day-to-day experience, Tamara Jenna is an artist who isn’t afraid to speak up her truth, bringing out something highly relatable and touching in its swirling, dynamic texture.
Not afraid to be aggressive and dark, the artist explores and embraces the dark moments in life. “Under Construction” is daring and enchanting, spinning on the eerie side of destruction and chaos no holding back. Jenna shows her extraordinary skills in vocal performance and wordplay, creating something so visually glaring and sonically extraordinary.
The 15 tracks album is an artistic trip that one could never get enough. Revolving around the melancholy, dark undertone, “Mind Games” has a sense of strength in its sonics, as a rose grows from the grounds. Minimal “Lost My Head” and “Paralysis” are two unique tracks that take a step outside her creative zone into the world of words.
Sonically depicts the mental image of both ideas, Jenna shines in its unique, authentic artistic style in the territory where most people fear to explore. On the emotive side, “Snakes and Ladders” has something to say in its message. “Best of Me” rises in strength and acknowledges its emotions.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: CULLEN THE GREAT “Bad Intent”
Song of the Day
Photo credit: Dominic Wuan
“Bad Intent” opens up with a darker, more aggressive tone that crawls under your skin. Exploring an unusual side of songwriting, creating vivid visual images, Cullen The Great tapped into the untouchable with a hit or miss directness. In the eerie, thickening ambiance, a craving, haunting hook hits your eardrum with raw power.
Derived from his usual style, the song immediately dips into a different energy field with a freezing sense of truth and vulnerability. Turning the camera down the throat, the song has an exposing feel to its aesthetic.
Gullen The Great has a very particular way of words in which he played with rhymes and vowels that sparks creative effects and visual impressions. It penetrates and invades like the stem of roses, dangerous but entrancing with raw power.
“Oppressions of expressions; Only lead to more suppression; While progression of recession; Brings out all the true confessions; And impressions of possessions; Always lead to more discretion; While distressing on the message; Always lead to shitty sessions.”
Maddening yet lucid storytelling gets under your skin, intriguing you to witness the unraveling. Exploring with further expansion, the artist on the rise is not afraid to tap into territories that are often avoided or forbidden. Tracing his footsteps, the artist continues to challenge himself with creative forms.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: YARGII “JUST WAIT”
Discovery
Photo credit: @j.0x00n
“Just Wait” was created at a down moment after Yargii has gotten into some trouble. Getting sober, reflecting on the past and the present, the artist channeled his raw emotions into an emotive song. “Just Wait” gets under your skin.
An authentic guitar strumming recreates the moment when inspirations hit. Yargii sat on a hotel bed, speaking about what was on his mind and in his heart. A reverberant, surreal vocal along with the ringing harmonious texture expands the traditional indie rock color palette.
“Just wait, give me some time. Everything is fine, you’ll be alright.” The past is in the past while regret is haunting the present. “Just give me a sign” echoes in your ears and speaks directly to your heart. Everyone who has been lost and experienced the lows in life could relate to the feelings in “Just Wait.”
The production has a sense of muddiness and overwhelmingness reflecting a slightly chaotic moment of life. Infusing pop and hip hop elements into its narrative, Yargii created layers and dimensions to its storytelling.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: RENEL “CRAZY”
Song of the Day
Setting its mood in an intimate, heartfelt guitar soundscape, honest lyricism, and genuine storytelling invites you in for a discussion about mental health. Revolving around Renel’s personal struggle, “Crazy” hits you right in the feels.
Renel is an artist that speaks his truth with music. He sheds light on a difficult topic that is so common yet rarely discussed openly. “Crazy” is highly relatable for anyone who has been through the low and the pain in life.
The song remains at an intense pace between spoken lyricism and melodic elements as it dives deep along Renel’s personal journey and realization. The verse is first paired with a well-knit drum beat and mesmerizing guitar loop.
“I’ve been all alone. I’ve been chasing all these goals, trying to find my soul in a city so cold.” A moment of truth and realization sweeps in from the low with a captivating hook. Fragments of vocal phrases fill the gaps and develop alongside the second verse, creating a more engaging, emotive reaction with the audience.
Renel is influenced by a vast range of musicians: Prince, Lil Wayne, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, to Pink Floyd. The diversity in his music influences allows the artist to explore genres and new songs. Aside from music, Renel is a recreational beekeeper and a regular contributor to philanthropic and non-profit work.
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SINGLE REVIEW: FLYGHT CLUB “DRUGS ON MY MIND”
Discovery
Tempting, dangerous in its sweet mist, “Drugs On My Mind” is a dreamful ear candy with a dark twist. Derived from Flyght Club’s usual creative process, the track has naturally brought forth his Indian roots while remaining in the route of mainstream trap/hip-hop. “Drugs On My Mind” is a result of freestyle and spontaneity.
Mesmerizing melody fills the dim, humid atmosphere, glaring colors, and whispers. The track revolves around temptation and the unknown. A subtle Indian music influence fuses into the head-strong urban contemporary hip-hop vocabulary, “Drugs On My Mind” has a mysterious, exotic color in its sonic mix.
Like a drug that gets you good and high, Flyght Club’s charming, flowing voice is impossible to resist. The smooth, ethereal vocal is a trap you can never get out of. Like a different kind of drug, Dr. Prime adds an interesting twirl to the song with an edge but the same level of addicting effect.
The music video aimed to criticize cheesy, contemporary rap videos in pop culture. Approaching it humorously and harmlessly with flashing gold chain, passing tic tac as drugs, and fake jewelry, the music video is a fun addition.
SINGLE REVIEW: EAMONN CONOR “BLINDED”
Discovery
Influenced by new jack swing, a fusion style that absorbs hip hop, dance-pop production technique with the urban contemporary sound of R&B and jazz, “Blinded” by the Australian recording artist Eamonn Connor is a delight to the ears.
In the lush, glimmering soundscape, accompanied by a welcoming dance beat, the saxophone quietly sweeps into a mysterious, spiritual atmosphere. It sounded like might night of an urban street, walking in between clubs, hearing vague music coming from a distance.
Photo credit: Hardik Shah
Continue to bring in more interesting elements to its sonic texture, Eamonn Conor’s voice tells a different story about love, maturity, and reaching goals. Setting its theme in teen pop and high school romance, Conor’s voice has the charm of bringing to life a sensitive, artistic character who sings about the girl he likes.
It stirs your heart as the lyrics dive deep into his feelings and innermost longings. In Conor’s sweet, alluring voice, jazz, and R&B elements adds a layer of sophistication and maturity to the evolving theme, broadening its horizon to more mature listeners.
In the twinkling, simulating soundscape, saxophone strikes through the air full of personality and attitude. As a huge fan of fusion, Eamonn Connor is not afraid to experiment in his debut album Thought.
PREMIERE: SWANNY.95 ‘PRIMAL’
“Let’s break things down from the noisy, complicated ideas and thoughts of modern society all the way back to the simple concept. Who are we? What are we each meant to do? How are meant to face our shortcomings, improve upon them and then group into our full potential?” SWANNY.95 on Primal
Photo credit: Tre Bennett
Primal is a project that gets under your skin. As a creative parallel to SWANNY.95’s personal story with hip hop, pouring out thoughts and captivating melodies, Primal reminisces Eminem’s 8 Miles movie in the different sonic ground.
Documenting city noise with an iPhone. The familiar surroundings faint into the blurry background of Primal. “Whether it's a car alarm that I turned into a riser for a transition or an ambulance siren tucked in the back of the mix to provide ambiance, my city's fingerprints are all over the production of this album,” said SWANNY.95.
“Totem” is a one-way street divulging the suppressed thoughts and feelings with no remorse. The poised, stirring lo-fi instrumental loop and vaguely taped city noise bring you to a murky, moldy basement, eating two-dollar ramen, staying low, building an empire from the ground up with sweets and hard work. Putting hours into improvement and getting better, while others live a high life, always having an opinion but no clue what you’re doing. “Totem” is about the lonely, challenging initial stage of fighting for the dream.
When the mantralike vocal line surfaces in the starry surroundings in “Empire” and “Sundown. Interlude,” there was a special moment of poise. "Can we build it from the ground up?” “Will you find me when the sun goes down?”
Photo credit: Tre Bennett
Rolling back the tape to when changes started to happen, “I’m Through” spirals down to the beginning of the story. Unsatisfied with the planned-out life slowly moving towards death and tax lawyers, trapped in a dead-end job, the disruption of covid has intensified the conflicts.
“So I woke up and I wrote until I drained my soul, then I chopped this beat, stop, drop, and roll […] everyone I know is tryna find themselves, well everyone that’s hating on them tryna finds more wealth. Asking me what I do, I seem so well, to tell you the truth, I feel like I’m in hell. If hell’s even real, that means heaven is too.”
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REVIEW & PREMIERE: COLL “WHO’S THAT”
“When I made ‘Who’s That,’ I wanted to make sure you could feel the energy that I had in the studio. It's about not caring about people's opinions of you and owning who you are to the max because life's too short. Express yourself.” - COLL.
Only with love and understanding will we reach our full potential. “Who’s That” encourages you to let it go and express yourself. The song creates a safe environment where criticism and fear are cast away in COLL's goofiness and feel-good dance. “Who’s That” is heartwarming and empowering.
Photo credit: Bartosz Halicki
Playful and laid-back, “Who’s That” is nothing but fun and has good vibes. Following his natural rhythmic instinct, COLL expands and playfully experiments with vocal expressions, effortlessly showcasing his ability of advanced vocal techniques with grace.
Sometimes we can be too hard on ourselves, living in our and other’s expectations, maintaining the flawless image while trying to be perfect and right. Tension and stress climb up our showers, and fear silences our voices. Embrace your inner child and have fun; from one person to another, “Who’s That” spreads an important message about self-love.
From Zimbabwe to the UK, the Norwich-based artist first heard his calling in music when he was eight. Inspired by The Notorious B.I.G and Tupac -- the Godfathers of hip hop, COLL’s passion for music has led to two EPs and a handful of singles with steadily growing stream counts and views, and his own record label, True Music Records, striving to support and promote local talents.
ALBUM REVIEW: TIMOTHY AND THE APOCALYPSE ‘FUTURE SO BRIGHT’
Formally known as an internationally acclaimed photographer traveling the world, capturing stories and movements, Timothy and the Apocalypse’s Future So Bright portrays the extended world behind stilled impressions. Original elements scattered in nature merge into illuminating, luscious color floating in the whims. Through its entrancing atmosphere, the reflection of familiarity flashes back from time to time.
“The Mindful Cherub” has a delicate, celestial texture in addition to its alluring, stylish nature. A blues-rock-inspired lick embellishes a hip-hop-powered drum beat, vague vocal pads floating in the wind and crystal-like texture. The water impression is carried out by harp-like arpeggios. Vaguely hearing jazz and gospel from a distant bar. Originated from biblical tradition, Cherub is a celestial winged chubby angel in child form. “The Mindful Cherub” is sophisticated with a touch of innocence and whimsy.
“Sex Tape” sets its mood in a red-light district. Intrigued by its brilliant color and windows of displays, the danger of an unknown underworld pumps up the adrenaline. Pleasure and imagination brewing in the smell of perfume spaced out in psychedelia.
Looking at the world through the curious eyes and adventurous mind, sorrow is a difficult color to paint. Timothy and the Apocalypse have a different vocabulary when it comes to downfall. “Falling Apart” approaches falling apart through a darker tone in its cinematic storytelling.
Over the past two years, world pandemics, career change, natural disasters, and family issues have fueled his frustrated creativity into two albums worth of songs. “Ethereal Event” is set to release in September.
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SINGLE REVIEW: BLU3MINK “BROKEN THOUGHTS”
A raw, emo guitar line, crumpled with bedroom pop and hip hop; a slightly chaotic, overwhelming emotional moment. “Broken Thoughts” from the UK-based singer-songwriter carries the intricate remembrance of a broken love before it’s gone.
Thoughts flooding your mind as the feeling of missing out on a chance taking control over. The warmth and the familiar smell still linger, yet it is slipping through as you witness, blowing in the wind.
The spark of tenderness and vulnerability in Blu3mink’s performance brings flashbacks from the past. Romance is still present in his voice. The reality hovers over his head, raining on top memories.
The song wrenches your heart although it isn’t heartbroken in its nature.
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SINGLE REVIEW: ALVINOS ZAVLIS “OUTTA MY HEAD”
“If I sleep, I’ll get up 3 am, shout out, scream ‘get out of my head.’” Albinos Zalvis
When the clock points to 3 am, the world shifts into a fluid-like surreality—fragility in complete darkness surrounded by silence. The airy, cloudy shadows float through spaces. The striking synth chords skip a beat from time to time on the edge of breaking down.
“In my room by myself, trying to paint over her.”
Alvinos Zalvis is a UK-based visual artist and an experimental hip-hop music producer. Designed by the artist himself, the cover art features a person burying his face into a largely shaped pillow in a room surrounded by all sorts of thoughts, hallucinated and random. The painting was tainted with water stains and intentionally strayed colors.
Alvinos Zavlis’s “Outta My Head” is a sonic portrait of frustration and mental struggle revolving around loss and unfulfilled love. When the color palettes are tainted and messed up into mud; when the familiar smile sneaks into your dream; when no matter how much you wanted to get better and feel better, the mind keeps circling back to the beginning...till the fear of closing your eyes overcome exhaustion in the deadly silence.
In the multifaceted sonic space brimmed with finely flakes of noise, smog creeps from the lowest, blocking the vision. Followed by a temporary pause was the emotional release. Heavy-hitting beats portray the intensity of the mental struggle, punching through the sonic walls in flashing lights.
REVIEW & INTERVIEW: MIKE GALE ‘TWIN SPIRIT’
Up on his 9th solo album, Mile Gale decided to approach songwriting differently from the traditional guitar-driven style. Inspired by instrumental hip-hop, Twin Spirit introduced an untouchable, bizarre color palette with new vocabulary and quirkiness. It marked Gale’s breakthrough from a traditional sound plateau to an initiative, new adventure.
As prolific as he is, Gale has never suffered from creative block. “To be honest I don't know if it's even a real thing,” he commented. From one sample he was naturally drawn to, to another, adding melodies and vocals, “It was very much an exercise in trusting my instincts and not overthinking anything,” he said, “It definitely unlocked a whole new way of writing songs for me. There are no real limits to what I can do now or what sounds, instruments I can have on my songs.”
Although each song is its own universe, the album has a throughout, distinct stylistic character and energy of a fiction world we enter in our dreamland – a place familiar and foreign, yet we yearn for returning. It is nostalgic as if we have been there before, but it doesn’t exist outside the memory of our dream itself.
“Don’t Mind the Weather” is the quirky album-opener to this strange world with robotic sound effects and imitation of a player piano, reminding of the bar in Westworld.
“Twin Spirit” steps into the world of a vintage music box, dancing as the snow falls on our shoulders. Yet the bizarre, modern lo-fi, hip-hop-infused soundscape is the reflection from the edges of a snow globe. Just like Gale’s music, the imaginative world can be anything we want it to be. There’s no real limit.
Twin Spirit concludes with a melancholy, lullaby-like “Don’t Mind the Devil” under the moonlight, with its reflective, introversive waves.
REVIEW & INTERVIEW: YOUR OTHER HALF "FIGHT FLIGHT OR FREEZE''
From a 60s-infused guitar intro to the clashing electronic effects in reminiscence of the end of last century, the opening of “Fight Flight or Freeze” paints a semi-animated image of a character holding his knife against the opponent, breathing heavily, exhausted yet fully alerted. A melodic hip-hop narrative draws attention back to the overwhelming inner world:
“It’s like a thousand tiny buffaloes, running through my chest. Like I’m caught inside an undertow, without a life vest.”
It could be a panic attack that drove you away from a place that reminded you of past trauma, or it could be the moment you opened your mouth, but no words came out. Sometimes we find ourselves going through things that no one seems to care about or understand. Indifference and ignoration only exacerbate the problem.
Sometimes all it takes to save a life is to listen and acknowledge what someone is going through. Fight Flight or Freeze” by Your Other Half sheds light on anxiety-triggered fight-flight-freeze responses with the intention to connect and heal collectively.
“We all get to these states whether we realize it or not. Anxiety is a big topic these days. Thankfully it has become recognized, and our various emotional states are being treated with the same validity as any physical affliction. We can all heal together,” the band commented on the message behind the song.
“Fight Flight or Freeze” captures the reality of mental exhaustion and helplessness with compassion. As narrative evolves into catharsis, broken words bouncing against the sound walls, drifting into the background. A hint of familiarity emerged in the chaotic, intensified acceleration, bringing back the melodic theme in perfect timing.
Initially connected through working with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, the mutual passion for music and justice have brought together three well-respected music professionals: drummer and lead singer Evan Greer, guitarist Woody Aplanalp, and music producer Anton Soder. The name Your Other Half represents the duality in all things, the yin and yang. “It represents the idea that we can’t be whole without each other,” said the band.
With a shared vision to bring positive changes through music, Your Other Half was born at the time of lockdown. “Destiny is written in your hands. As long as you have the breath to blow on your hands, you have the power to change destiny,” the band wrote on their official Instagram account.