Just months after the debut of their Garbage EP, power duo Brennan Savage and fish narc are back with yet another tape. Drowning was released as a surprise right before Savage left for a European tour with close friend and collaborator, Killstation. The project is composed of 4 charming productions by fishnarc (with co-production by lil ugly mane) and despondent lyrics from Savage.
Photo by vincevandope
Title track, “Drowning,” opens the EP and preludes what is yet to come. “My back’s against the wall, I’m stuck I can’t go on. I’m drowning, I’m counting to nothing,” — the obvious wounds in Savage’s evocative voice can be heard throughout the song. “High Land” comes next, bringing along a slightly more assertive attitude to the project. In confidence, Savage expresses feelings of change within himself:
“Cause really it would take a ocean to drown me//I’m feelin’ it would take a bullet to down me//I will not turn back, I will not go home now//I cannot live if I’m tied to my hometown.”
fish narc and lil ugly mane come together for production “I Tried!” to create a more up-tempo beat that stimulates listeners. The nostalgic production particularly shines on this track, with vocal harmonies pairing with a drum pattern reminiscent of 1950’s doo-wop. The sanguine guitar provides a freshness to the EP, bringing us away from sullenness of the two previous tracks.
Final track, “We Are Who We Are,” carries the same upbeat feeling as “I Tried!” as well as the musing lyricism familiar to Savage. We are met with Savage exhibiting lucidity as he admits, “I can’t change your mind about me. Are you proud? Say it loud, do you love me?” Surprisingly in the middle of the track, an electric guitar solo pulls listeners away from all of Savage’s thoughts for a brief moment. After the solo is over, we are plunged right back into the pleasant sound of singing and led to a fulfilling conclusion.
Drowning is made up of various elements that provides a refreshing listen. The tone shifts throughout the EP, gradually becoming more upbeat, yet remaining ominous thanks to the words of Savage. Yet again, fish narc and Brennan Savage have successfully delivered a project that leaves us hopeful for the future. Listen to Drowning below.