I really didn't think I would like this as much as I do.
I figured the mellowed out sound centralized by a single bassline would get old really fast, but I've gotten addicted quick.
There genuinely isn't anything special going on here, catchy hooks, simple beats, but something about the execution is so satisfying to listen to
Overall - 72

As disappointing as the singles for this EP were, I must admit, there are a few songs on here that pleasantly surprised me. Look at me was already a favourite of mine, so I'm not necessarily upset to see it here, (though a new song may have been preferred to such an old single).
Rainmaker manages to recapture some of the 'Wishlane' essence that was missing for a while, and though the overall sound is way more pop leaning than anything wishlane has put out before, the sound feels ... read more

Much more generic and *pop* sounding than I've come to hope for from Wishlane but I can't say I'm all that surprised. I can only sit here and call it generic because it's familiar to what's popular, which is popular because a majority of people like it, which makes it the best strategy for growing an audience.
One thing I can definitely appreciate is how this song has a much clearer identity compared to Sidewinder. Not that it's my favourite song of all time, or ... read more

YUP
More greatness from westwood on the deluxe

This is exactly what I feared would happen upon seeing the success of sucker punch
The formula worked so why not repeat it, but damn subtlety must've been a concern in the making of this one because if nearly identical song structure or related flows didn't tip you off, lines ripped directly out of sucker punch will let you know that he was proud of that one...
Creative expression is what I love from smaller artists like wishlane, so losing that creative edge in favor of the bag is a ... read more

Not a ton to say about this one, but it's Brent Faiyaz doing what he does, with no interruptions. Which is something that he's been missing for a long while. Nothing here feels overly artificial, He's dropped some of the classic 'toxicity' for some authentic love songs, and he sounds the realest he's ever been within this alias.
Nothing is unexpected, Brent has finally just met expectations.
Overall - 70

Saw this and remembered the name from a few years back. This album is painfully average. The beats are fine, the vocal performances are consistent, and the entire album walks a completely straight line, with absolutely zero deviation at any point whatsoever. I do think that this music has a place for people who unironically, from the bottom of their hearts, love this mans voice and think its the coolest thing ever because its kinda deep. Otherwise, nothing here is worth listening to. If you ... read more

god this shit is sooo catchy. I love it! This album, and Westwood as a whole feels like a perfect blend of the best parts of the 2010's soundcloud trap style, and the more recent electronic and rage styles from Playboy Carti and his contemporaries.
The instrumentals; though not entirely groundbreaking, complex or inventive, hit all of the right spots along with the flows and pockets Westwood finds in just about every song. This album is such a breath of fresh air; in a year where I ... read more

Been a big fan of Aries for a long while, and my excitement for this album can not be understated, especially after bringing Brakence back from the ether for a song. That being said, the album after first listen just about meets my expectations.
The starting few tracks are a bit disappointing to me, as they feel like some great ideas that don't get the proper exploration they deserve. This all ends at DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES. This track is amazing and marks the point where this album fully ... read more

I really enjoy the stripped back production and focus on vocals; particularly from Brakence here, which is something we didn't really see much of on Hypochondriac. I really hope this style can appear in some way on whatever Brakence ends up doing next.
Aries does well here to make a more mature sounding song, which is a personal gripe I've had with a lot of his music in the past, where he can end up getting caught up trying to copy an emo aesthetic, losing a sense of originality. ... read more

This one's not sitting right with me. It feels like it's missing the originality and genuine feeling I typically get from Wishlane. Also the sound of it must just not be for me, because a banger is not how I'd describe it personally...

There is a really awkward, hazy mesh of sounds in this album. The vocals are almost always drowning in the background of a drunken, dreamy and loose guitar-based instrumental. This whole album leaves me with a very uncertain impression, which I'm not sure what to do with. Undoubtedly; however, there was a ton of care put into crafting the experience of this album, with short, almost empty songs that still manage to feel full and engaging. The album doesn't leave you bored despite not ... read more

For the most part, this album feels like another evolution of a formula. One that Tecca has been perfecting for his entire career, so obviously the sound is well done and if you liked anything else from Lil Tecca, you'll like this. I particularly like the songs with something new, even if it is simply an attempt at new flows and a lower register, it sounds distinct in the sea of other songs from the same artist. Don't get me wrong, there are some bangers here... but then again... when ... read more

Took some time to fully appreciate acloudyskye. Their voice at times can be underwhelming or even fully drowned out by the fantastic instrumentals but honestly I think it's a non-issue once I got past the initial shock. There's something 'amateur' about the sound in these songs which is what people I've showed this too say turns them off of it but I find it very endearing. There's a truly passionate artist here creating something that they truly love and it's ... read more

Don't immediately love this as much as other works from Wishlane: particularly the part on background noise where we're having a panic attack at the deli?? Cant say that didnt throw me off a bit. Then again, lakehouse took time to grow on me so this is probably another case of just that. Really appreciate the sounds present on these songs and I would encourage Wishlane exploring further into a somewhat stripped back, mellowed out style moving forward if that's something ... read more

Though not particularly surprising or inventive, Keshi presents an entertaining batch of tracks with many things to enjoy. Though I do wish for a few things here and there; ie. Amen being longer and some good transitions rather than smash cuts between songs, I still really like a lot of what's going on here. A bunch of new favourites here and only a few tracks that break up an otherwise extremely strong showing on this album. Definitely a step up from their last work, serving as more of an ... read more

why am i not surprised this sucks...
Overall - 20

This was a surprise. I was hooked in by the intro and although it is a standout point in the album, there is something to be said about the consistent sound and quality here.
Overall - 68

Need some more eyes on this one. Really slick flows and good bars, consistent quality and themes, overall quite enjoyable and too far under the radar for how good it is. Feels somewhat longer than it is, possibly due to lack in variation throughout but that's sorta the point given we're obviously trying to follow a somewhat generic We$tSide style. Still I believe there are some standouts to take away and this album is overall still pretty decent
Overall - 66

This album hooked me on Anon when I first heard it, really strong showing and I can agree with the Denzel cosign. Honestly not sure what to say about it, I love returning to this project to this day. Love the aggression, the flows, the confidence in oneself in the lyrics. Really happy there's slower points throughout as well to keep from monotony, however many of these points do struggle to keep up in quality. Additionally, many of the tracks do feel somewhat self similar so I only really ... read more