Structured like a musical therapy session, Positive Vibes & Anger Issues (Deluxe Edition) finds Philadelphia-based hip-hop artist ND!FFRENT exploring the duality of human emotion alongside a captivating range of hip-hop, soul, pop, and beyond. Through versatile flows, shifting melodies, and introspective lyricism, the album traces the ongoing battle between positive and negative energy with unorthodox vision and emotional depth.
“The Session Begins” opens the album with a welcoming and intriguing allure — pairing spoken-word introspection with the backing of Beethoven’s haunting, unmistakable “Moonlight Sonata.” “I understand that self-expression can be challenging,” they admit, later reflecting on internal battles between who we strive to be and the actual result. “What do you seek to gain from this session?” a series of questions begin, resembling a therapy session in speaking to the listener in sympathetic, affecting terms. The ensuing “Positive Vibes” feels like an emotional output, yearning for “some positive vibes” — like a response to the therapy’s imposed purpose. Its movements into twinkling piano and briskly infectious vocals make for a riveting, replay-inducing standout, reminiscent fondly of J. Cole — combining with the opener for an exceptionally strong one-two opening punch to Positive Vibes & Anger Issues.
The highlights are abundant throughout the album. The thematically artful exploration of dual nature — and especially the battle between positive and negative energy — is captured enjoyably on tracks like “Positive Vibes” and “Playing Games,” the latter preceded by a spoken-word interlude that refers to a maze of life that “plays you” and draws attention from personal goals. While “Positive Vibes” exudes a craving for that positive energy and staying away from negativity, “Navigating The Maze” and “Playing Games” embody the unavoidability of a more negative prevalence — lamenting “some things never change, you be playing games” amidst a catchy synth-charged beat. The dynamic thematic pull is evident, and the diverse musical elements back it up — ranging enjoyably from the soulful gorgeousness of “Positive Vibes” and its magnetic backing vocal work, to the moodier late-night atmospherics of “True Love,” which excels in its sensual R&B soundscape.
Another standout track, “Do It” revels in a confident, charismatic energy. “They try and hold me down, but they can’t stop me once I do it,” the peppy vocals exude, celebratory and triumphant in its “no stopping us” fervency — playing like an anthem for inner-confidence and the ability to always turn one’s life around for the better. On the more introspective flipside, “Never Again” reflects on the negative energy side as well — declaring “I don’t like your energy” and calling everyone “an enemy” in capturing a personal crossroads and period of skepticism. This plays like an impactful mid-point to the album, following heartbreak and stress with an all-encompassing negative mindset. The “try again on Wednesday” elements suggest that motivation still lingers, though is dwindling.
“The Descent” then kickstarts a stirringly dark outro, where tracks like “Leave Me Alone” echo a haunting vulnerability amidst aptly haunting piano-forward prowess. “Everybody Dies” continues that heady personal questioning — of everything from life to religion — as creaky keys twinkle and heartfelt strings blend seamlessly, culminating in a spirited title-bearing catchiness. “Free” continues the fantastic run of tracks to close it out, asking “don’t you wanna be free?” in a chain-breaking and “eyes open” sense of catharsis; playful instrumentation and “better days” optimism make for a riveting success, feeling enjoyably reflective in its hopefulness for brighter skies following renewed mental freedom and clarity. Positive Vibes & Anger Issues is an enthralling, powerful overall success from ND!FFRENT.
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