Hendrix – Gravity (2021)
The Other Side Reviews discovered Hendrix last year and quickly fell in love with the project. Drawing on various influences, Ian Hendrix (the guy behind the music) creates a kaleidoscopic soundscape filled with hazy synths, powerful guitars and haunting vocals. Expert production and poetic lyricism showcase the depth of Hendrix’s content while retaining a lighthearted attitude. The last instalment in his 8 episode series is ‘Gravity’.
Following on from his single ‘What Happened 2’, ‘Gravity’ is a synth-driven melody filled with warm vocals and dynamic guitars. While the twinkling synths add a pulsating heartbeat to the tune, the acoustic guitar adds poetic depth to the evocative melody. Simplistic in a way, the layered instrumentation pulls you into a hazy swirl of sound with twinkling lights adorning the waves. Yet, the heartfelt beauty does not lie in the melody but in the vocals.
Melding elements of soul and R&B with electropop, ‘Gravity’ bears a similarity to Lighthouse Family. Yes, the otherworldly quality is produced by the unique synth placement; however, Justin P Schmuckle’s soulful vocals add a heartwarming richness to the track. Moreover, Schmuckle’s dulcet tones enhance the message of the song – to be yourself no matter what you do. The underlying vocals of Georgia Van Culyenberg reiterate the theme with an ethereal haunting sound.
What I love about ‘Gravity’ is not its empowering lyricism or elegant arrangement of vocals, but the fact that you can easily become lost in this moving track. In this final track of a reflective series, Hendrix seeps into your brain, stirs your soul and leaves you gasping for breath with goosebumps all over your body.
For more from Hendrix check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
