“Drowning in my thoughts, I turned them into songs” replied vinayvvs when asked about his EP, “Drowning”. His statement very neatly summarizes the sonic and thematic essence of “Drowning”. On this 6-song EP, vinayvvs is at his most vulnerable, laying down raw, introspective lyrics in various ethereal cadences over sample-heavy, experimental instrumentals.
Drowning is a quintessential vinayvvs project: psychedelic, dark, surreal, and above all, boundary-pushing. The cadences used range from a hazy lower-tone voice to a high-pitched colorful voice. The instrumentals are dark, experimental, and psychedelic, using samples to the best of their capacity.
Above the sonic landscape and deep lyricism, “Drowning” shines in creating lush, grandiose, vivid soundscapes, making you feel as if you’re watching an IMAX blockbuster with your ears. In its 14-minute timespan, “Drowning” takes listeners on a cinematic journey. vinayvvs has always been known to be a master creator of ambience and atmosphere in his songs, “Drowning” takes those to a new level. Every song feels like a sonic movie, placing you in atmospheres ranging from dark alleys to abandoned mansions.
“Drowning” creates a truly immersive experience like stepping into a vivid dream or a surreal film. “Drowning” takes everything that makes vinayvvs stand out and elevates them to new levels.
Track Reviews
Soul Saving:
The intro to the EP, “Soul Saving,” sets the tone for the rest of the EP with its psychedelic, experimental, and dark production. It features a hazy lower-tone cadence contrasted by a high-pitched, colorful one. The track sounds lush, grandiose, and ambitious, with introspective and vulnerable lyricism, all complimented by a dark, surreal, and immersive soundscape. vinayvvs’ music has always prioritised creating an immersive, vivid soundscape above all; this EP manages to elevate that to new levels.
apple of my eyes:
“apple of my eyes” features a sample-heavy, experimental instrumental that allows the various cadences and introspective lyricism to shine through. Thematically, this song explores betrayal, heartbreak, and loneliness. Sonically, it creates a vivid soundscape with rich melodies, a hypnotic ambiance, ambitious song structures, and a dark atmosphere, making it a standout cut.
25 Lighters:
“25 Lighters” showcases vinayvvs’ classic high-pitched cadences, complemented by animated flows, erratic lyricism, and infectious melodies. The instrumental is ambient, psychedelic, and ever-changing, perfectly matching the song’s various parts, which result from ambitious song structures and arrangements. Throughout this track, and much of the EP, vinayvvs contrasts two cadences, sometimes switching back-and-forth between them, treating his voice like an instrument—a technique he’s honed throughout this EP, and his career.
Faded:
Faded is a mainstream cut, with its radio-friendly soundscape and song structure. The arrangement, instrumental, lyricism, and soundscape on “Faded”, seem less ambitious compared to the rest of the EP, and sound more mainstream and public-friendly. Nevertheless, vinayvvs’ continues contrasting cadences, creating vivid soundscapes, and rich melodies on this track.
Trapped Inside:
Featuring one of the most experimental instrumentals and ambitious song structures on the EP, “Trapped Inside” is a hidden gem. The instrumental is psychedelic and synth-heavy, with catchy samples peppered throughout. The delivery is laid-back, with continuously switching cadences. “Trapped Inside” creates a lively, immersive soundscape, akin to experiencing an IMAX blockbuster with your ears.
First2Arrive:
Sonically, “First2Arrive” acts as an outlier in the context of this EP due to its fast-paced, trap-centric drums. However, it discusses themes similar to the rest of the EP. The vocals are grungy, with the lead vocals and doubles creating a contrast defined by distortion. The flow is infectious, with a laid-back delivery and catchy melodies. Unlike other tracks on the EP, the cadence on “First2Arrive” doesn’t switch up.
Listen to vinayvvs’s latest EP on Spotify:
