SHRINK – SHRINK (2021)
With his debut self-titled EP artist SHRINK opens a window into his brother’s world, he crafts a unique sound full of dissonance, angst and unexpected warmth. The new release is splendidly produced with layers upon layers of melody and meaning. Budding shoots of sound burst around the musings of one man, Sam Breathwick, and his finger-picked guitar. Despite his youth, Kent’s 22-year-old Breathwick has already made a name for himself, albeit another name, having recently produced tracks for Connie Constance, Nayana IZ and others under the moniker Vasser. He has already gained attention from tastemakers and managed to clamber onto highly coveted Spotify playlists but, his latest project SHRINK seems a more personal endeavour, a candid retelling of his brother’s lows during difficult times.
The first track on the 5-track EP, ‘Cut You Loose’, sets the tone for what you can expect throughout the release. Expect to be surprised and for the music in each track to speak as much as Breathwick’s raspy, striking vocals. Expect unhurried tempos that still pack a punch. The song is dark at times, accompanied by ghostly backing vocals and isolated beats, but the chorus brightens up like the sun breaking through clouds. The next track, ‘Drowning’, is an earnest tale of depression and heartbreak told with glorious melodic expression and harmony. The song speaks volumes with Breathwick’s words rolling effortlessly into consciousness, the atmosphere within filled with a heavenly kind of sadness.
‘Memory man’ starts off in a robotic fashion with distorted bassy noises. The use of multiple voices and high-pitched refrains create a clamour that edges into almost psychedelic territory. Breathwick’s willingness to experiment and his use of melody evokes the playful spirit of bands like the Beatles as well as Radiohead, Yellow Days, Cautious Clay and King Krule. The next song, ‘Eraser’, enters subdued. Breathwick’s voice is stripped back and naked, that is, until his wall of sound crashes into the frame. The musician and producer’s command of lyrics and melody shine again in this track, the subject matter continues to amble along its melancholic and despairing path. The song was written about the unconditional care Breathwick’s mum showed his brother in troubled times and reveals the difficulties of revisiting depression, “time and again”. ‘Rodeo’ is one of my favourite tracks on the EP. It delves into the mundanity of everyday life and ends the debut release with brass revelation.
SHRINK’s EP is one of depth. It dives into dark places and will have you drowned in joyous sound. It seems a sincere attempt to understand his brother and the lows many of us feel. The debut release also showcases a blossoming musician and producer with a bright future in music.
For more from SHRINK check out his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
