released: november 1, 2024

genre: soul / electronic

from: charleston, usa

label: mexican summer

a few thoughts: there is something utterly soothing and hypnotic about contour’s music. the singer, producer and artist has released some of the most raw and emotive music in recent years. onwards! was an intimate body of work, exploring self in a way that is vulnerable, self-aware and reflective, with a vibe that is both melancholic and utterly beautiful and immersive. take off from mercy picks up where he left off, intimate guitar-driven compositions, and soulful, often experimental production that captures his artistry poignantly. from the emotive “if he changed my name”, where he questions his place in the world, reflecting on his mental state as well, with a fitting saul williams poem excerpt to close it out. “now we’re friends” features some incredible synths and swelling electronic production, a subdued track that sees contour singing in a monotonous, spoken-word like manner, as it explodes to life with additional keys and synth leads that close the track out with a rich cacophonous composition. the strings on “faith” are gorgeous, with incredible guitar playing and intimate and lyricism – “your pathos, your pain / you pass them down / completion, i’m made of both / i bury my hate / in every note / it’s sweet what i savor now”. the subdued “entry 10-4 (mood recipe)” is another stunning moment, while the guitar leads on “watchword” are beautiful and moody, evoking real feelings of melancholy and beauty. the drumming and grooves of “(re)turn” and “mercy” are more dynamic and with a sense of urgency, with the latter having some beautiful references to prayers and god. “ark of bones” has a moody guitar melody, with additional keys and contour’s vocals sounding as emotive and passionate as ever before. it’s one of the more hypnotic moments on the album. “guitar bains” has another gorgeous guitar and piano-led melody, with intricate drumming and vocals on self-love and understanding, while the short “the earth spins” is moody and stunning as well. “theresa” is an incredibly poignant love song, as contour’s observational and metaphoric lyrics showcase just how good he is as a writer. the darker and and unassuming “gin rummy” is phenomenal too, with abstract lyricism on loss. the rumbling “reflection” with its rumbling bassline and soulful loops throughout that make it quite a reflective and captivating track. “seasonal” is a meandering, hypnotic track with an immersive electronic composition and an incredible lyrics by contour touching on themes of death and oppression. saul williams’ poem at the end of the track is powerful and fitting. “for ocean” closes the album out with a truly stunning composition, with incredible guitar and synth leads, drumming throughout that adds to contour’s emotive lyrics about love, loss and finding peace and beauty amongst the madness. take off from mercy is a stunning body of work, written by one of the most talented writers and artists working today. saul williams’ poem, sprinkled throughout the album, adds so much depth and perspective to contours voice, while additional production from the likes of omari jazz, maurice ii, quickly, quickly and mndsgn (amongst others) make this an immersive and expansive listening experience.

the album: