They say you’re never too old to do something new, but the fear of failure is usually what holds people back. Now, imagine an accomplished therapist/Yogi venturing into music but not from a conventional standpoint. This is where  Flowananda comes in with his new 4-track EP titled First Breath. The aptly titled project feels like a resurgence or rebirth of some kind as we get to hear the genre-bending style of an artist whose background is far removed from music. He stated that he has no formal training, and he does everything by ear and goes with what feels right.

“Hippie-Hop” sets the tone with a dark tone. The production features distorted synths and ominous textures ranging from dark leads to cinematic arps. The drums are punchy and lie in the dub-step/downtempo trap department. Flownada’s flow is expressive and has a conversational tone. In some ways, he sounds laidback and nonchalant and a bit rushed, but some of the imperfections are actually what give the track its flavour. As far as subject matter, Flownada details his thought process and opinions on his creative choices. The next track, “Forest Knows,” kicks off with a sparse and punchy drum groove before the drops. Here, the artist employs a blend of cinematic soundscapes with foley sounds of nature, which taps into the theme of the song. I must add, it feels like a trippy, psychedelic journey into uncharted territory. Here, Flownada plays the role of a guide leading us into a mysterious forest, which can be an analogy of the uncertainties of life, and the aim is for everyone to experience it on an individual level. Once again, Flownada relies on his go-to tools, heavy vocal modulation and use of recurring vocal motifs to colour the track.

“When your brain turns out the light/There’s a song you play all night”

The first foray into the song “Soul Sound” is an exploration into the deepest part of the mind. The production is a potpourri of sounds and musical styles ranging from experimental dark pop to electronic/industrial aesthetics. The first half is populated by a moody pad section and progresses into a semi-rhythmic beat with somewhat distorted instruments. Overall, it has a heavy focus on Flownada’s vocals, which often can be described as offbeat, in an aesthetically pleasing way, but unorthodox if we are being honest.

The last song, “Candles,” is an inspirational and motivational track that strays from the norm in many ways. The laidback production is far from bright; the use of dark synths, spaced out textures with depth and continuous changes in tension and resolution adds to the overall dynamic feel of the track. Here, Flownada employs a semi-melodic cadence with a somewhat subtle robotic vocal tuning effect.  As for the lyrics, Flownada goes into poetic mode with uplifting lines like “Whenever you notice you’re reaching for meaning/remember you carry the candles of being/The same spark gave birth to the whole wide universe/It all lies in you, waiting to burst.” In summary, it’s a positive way to close things out.

Overall, First Breath is as unconventional as an indie project from a NY-based therapist/Yogi can be. Do not go in expecting the usual, and it’s best if you can go with the flow.

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