Therapy Is Cancelled, 2023
Genre: Alternative Soul/RnB
© 2023 FTL RADIO
Reviewed: 30 November 2023
In Therapy Is Cancelled, Fentse. unveils a mesmerizing sonic journey that captivates the soul from start to finish. Inspired by a comical incident wherein her therapy session was unexpectedly cancelled, Fentse. courageously embraces the power of going inward to confront her traumas head-on. Through heartfelt themes of heartbreak, romance, healing, vulnerability, and authenticity, Fentse. masterfully traverses the emotional depths with her smooth, soothing, and beautifully intricate vocals.
Throughout the entire album, Fentse's voice weaves a tapestry of raw emotion, infectiously conveying a plethora of overwhelming feelings. Genre-blending is executed with exquisite finesse, effortlessly blending elements of retro, psychedelic, and trance-like sounds. Drawing influence from notable artists such as Kali Uchis and Liv.e, Fentse. effortlessly infuses these music inspirations into the fabric of her sound.
Within the realm of R&B, neo-soul, and alternative genres, Fentse’s sound simultaneously energizes and calms the spirit. Her lyrics possess a profound depth, carrying heavy symbolism and metaphors that effortlessly transport listeners into an alternate universe she has carefully crafted. Each verse seamlessly flows into a blissfully melancholic reflection of love, trauma, and her personal journey.
The artist's initial offerings, including the captivating 'Video Girl,' delve into the intricacies of romantic relationships, exploring the sacrifices that accompany unwavering dedication. In the song's opening, she skillfully introduces profound lyricism, expressing sentiments like "My Venus in Leo, you're my Capricorn moon." Here, "Venus in Leo" signifies the positioning of Venus in Leo in the birth chart, reflecting qualities of love and beauty influenced by Leo's characteristics. Meanwhile, "Capricorn moon" indicates a reserved and disciplined emotional nature associated with Capricorn's traits. Notably, the song draws inspiration from the Japanese manga anime "Video Girl Ai," narrating the tale of a sentient video girl aiding a young man through heartbreak. The artist subtly conveys that she is not to be perceived as a mere 'video girl,' suggesting it's best for the pursuer to let her be.
After releasing her initial single, she surprised us with another glimpse into the album just three weeks later with 'Until Then.' The song has garnered attention on South African National radio, where Yfm praised Fentse.'s captivating voice intertwined seamlessly with the intricate beat, evoking a range of emotions. "Until Then" explores a multifaceted emotional journey, delving into themes such as revenge, communication, authenticity, and the struggles of navigating genuine emotions amid distractions and negative influences. The line, "I've been on a road to revenge," suggests a pursuit fueled by a desire for retribution or justice. The mention of regular communication and staying good implies a comforting connection during this pursuit.
The lines "I was on a search for something real, something I could feel" express a longing for authenticity amid a potentially vengeful path. The phrase "spreading through the town a disease" metaphorically describes negative influences encountered along the way. "Filling the darkness with distractions, bad romance" implies that these influences create a chaotic atmosphere, potentially hindering Fentse's quest for something genuine.
On the third track, "PURPLE SLUSHIES," leaves us impressed with the rising star's exceptional talent. She skillfully combines pop with her distinctive ethereal alternative vocals, creating a mesmerizing experience. The verses seamlessly transition, immersing us in nostalgic summer memories with friends, a lingering crush, and, of course, the allure of purple slushies. The pop beat is artfully contrasted by hip hop percussion, enhancing the overall captivating instrumental arrangement.
"CAFFEINE" explores experimental sounds, blending soulful grit, hip-hop edginess, and pop influences. The lyrics delve into internal conflict, questioning spirituality, and navigating ambiguous emotions using metaphorical language. The phrase "Dirty conversations caress my mind" suggests engagement in unconventional or morally ambiguous thoughts. "God is Schizophrenia" likely metaphorically conveys a complex and unpredictable nature of the divine or questions the clarity of spiritual beliefs. The line "What is he trying to say, filled with odd emotion" reflects confusion or uncertainty in experiencing messages or emotions, possibly in a spiritual or existential context. "How I decide to move is like a dirty serpent" could signify cunning or deceit in decision-making, drawing a parallel between actions and the slithering movements of a serpent.
The standout for me in the album is 'NINTENDO’ featuring Kyabo, which feels like it belongs in a video game. Notably, composers like Koji Kondo, Nobuo Uematsu, and Yoko Shimomura have played pivotal roles in shaping Nintendo's iconic game music. Fentse. could easily join that esteemed list with this track, as Kyabo perfectly complements the atmospheric chemistry. The blend of their sound, delivery, and creativity, along with the overall production quality, is truly impressive.
In the song "WHITE DOVES," a romantic atmosphere is depicted through vivid and symbolic imagery. The mention of "white doves soaring through the sky" symbolizes purity, peace, and love, while the phrase "as we engage in love" suggests a romantic encounter. The selection of white doves amplifies the imagery, indicating a serene and beautiful ambiance linked to the intimate act.
The song, "PULP FICTION" beautifully captures the theme of yearning for a lost love. The reference to the iconic film directed by Quentin Tarantino adds depth to the narrative, mirroring the movie's genre-blending style. The lyrics convey a profound sense of longing and melancholy, emphasizing how the absence of the ex affects everyday experiences for Fentse. and Sonder. The line "I watch pulp fiction without you" suggests a certain emptiness in activities enjoyed together. Mentioning the difference in Saturday nights without the person hints at a shift in emotional atmosphere, possibly feelings of loneliness. The abandoned orange juice metaphorically signifies settled changes since the departure, evoking a sense of heaviness or stillness. The addition of Sonder, the Africanime, complements Fentse, creating a captivating breakup anthem. Fentse's meticulous choice of features for the album showcases a harmonious blend, capturing the essence of their shared experiences.
This body of work serves as a testament to Fentse's creative prowess and solidifies her status as a musical force to be reckoned with. Her exceptional talents have held us in awe, providing listeners with a sonic experience that lingers long after the final notes fade. From start to finish, Therapy Is Cancelled stands as a transcendent masterpiece, seamlessly blending cohesiveness and storytelling that pushes the boundaries of the musical landscape.
With nine tracks and a runtime of 27 minutes, Fentse's album is a concise yet impactful exploration of healing, vulnerability, and authenticity. It is a must-listen for anyone seeking an emotional rollercoaster that inspires introspection and offers solace in a world that often lacks these qualities. Therapy Is Cancelled invites listeners to immerse themselves in Fentse's sonic refuge repeatedly, showcasing her artistry as an experience worth reliving time and time again.
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