A coming-of-age experimentalist, Graffiti Welfare has released his debut project Revolving Shores available everywhere. The album can be thought of as a heartfelt, acid trip taking the listener through the journey of anxiety struggles, disillusionment, and overall, just being human.
“To Be It” opens the album as a beautiful almost five-minute instrumental, the track has dreamy pianos and occasionally a gritty guitar to add some of that unease that nerves often give us. While saying no words, Graffiti Welfare gives so much for the listener to interpret and live in – which is beautifully impressive. The second track “Just Follow” gives the listener a floating feeling, just being in the sky with colors all around. The vocals feel just out of reach, and you can just look around and feel all the intentional sounds.
Halfway through the album we are introduced to “Volume,” which at the beginning says, “Turn the television on while I get some sleep / leave the volume up, man, it’s all the same to me / it’s all the same frequency.” These lyrics are visually interesting and leave a lot to think about. Whether it be the numbing daily life of adulthood, or just plain boredom, these lyrics stand out.
The project ends with “Seashell,” which out the gate has a soft start but a consistent build. It feels light and, because of the title, feels like when you put a seashell up to your ear. It is a unique title and concept. The instrumental of this song is strong with piano and synth but the higher notes give it this brightness and lightness that just feels good to listen to.
The production of this album gives it an edge like no other. The ties that are able to be made through the heavy instrumentals is impressive. From the use of water or distant cars to the heavier synths and reverb, every single note on this project oozes with intention and care. It is not often anymore that an artist’s seeks out this more trippy sound and manages to give it a current feel with a current message. Graffiti Welfare’s sonic and lyric cohesion is so fun to watch and as someone who has not been on an acid trip – still takes the listener to that disorienting yet calm place.
So be sure to go check out Graffiti Welfare’s debut album Revolving Shores and be on the lookout for his future projects!
Written by Katie Power
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