Using films/cinema references as the baseline for the project, Mullings approach seems like a vignette of some sort as he takes audiences through different experiences and scenes with the tracks. The first record, “ i. Short Films” comprises soulful samples and sees Mullings reflecting on several life experiences and the never-ending search for purpose and growth. He caps it with a solemn hook that goes thus; “my life is a series of short films/This life’s a series of short films.” This is followed by “18 Years,” a track that details Mullings’ age and celebrates his accomplishments and ongoing trajectory as an artist who never settles for less. The production here is bouncy and uses a blend of soulful samples with hard-hitting trap drums. Next is “Flash Photography…” where he uses images as metaphors for his daily grind. “ii. Cutscenes” uses a smooth horn and vocal samples underpinned by Mullings’ reflective lyrics that juxtapose his current state and the euphoria of being a kid again. The focus shifts into a retro-cinematic vibe on “TOKYO FREESTYLE” featuring omontizay. The track samples a city pop track and flips it into an upbeat trap backdrop and sees Mullings and omontizay sharing their thoughts on their respective dreams and goals.

The overarching cinema/film theme is never lost as Mullings keeps things in perspective with tracks like the solemn tracks “sometimes,” and “NOT LIKE THIS!…”. “sometimes” implores listeners to seize the day because nothing lasts forever, while the latter gives audiences a glimpse into Mullings’s life. This ranges from his growth as an artist to paying respect to his day ones and reminding the naysayers that he is here to stay. “All Smiles :)….” flips a classic R&B sample and sees the rapper dropping a timeless uplifting message about not losing one’s smile and positive energy during hard times. “iii.Milky Way” sees Mullings reconciling his feelings and personal loss. Over a scenic and brooding backdrop, he shares with audiences a heartwrenching tale of the death of his dad and his having to step up to be the man of his house. The track is detailed and encapsulates a tough period in Mulling’s life from hindsight and underscores how the experiences made him grow. He is joined by fellow rapper unruly who comes through on the last verse with a fiery flow and impassioned performance underpinned by themes of personal loss.

The last two tracks, “Wallflower” featuring Elijah Neptune and “You’ll Never Catch Me…” help bring the project to a solemn close. The former is an introspective piece comprising layered samples, rich guitar licks and sombre keys underpinned by Neptune’s melodic flow and poignant lyrics while the latter follows Mullings as he continues his soul-searching through the unforgiving concrete jungle.

Overall, Short Films, stays consistent throughout in terms of sound and overarching cinematic theme. The production, especially the beats, is well-crafted and often infuses a handful of styles but my main issue is the vocal mix. In my opinion, the vocal mix might need a little bit of touching up.