A Therapeutic Experience: ANGELCREATIVES & EkamiO'S "HELLO ANTHEM" [SwanoDown Report]
Reported by Imani Wj Wright
“Music doesn’t get in. Music is already in. Music simply uncovers what is there, makes you feel emotions that you didn’t necessarily know you had inside you, and runs around waking them all up. A rebirth of sorts.” – Matt Haig, How To Stop Time
We’ve all been there as human beings. You know those days where you just can’t seem to find any real joy or solace. Maybe you’re just in your head, maybe you haven’t had the best week, or sometimes there’s no real variable that we can put our finger on. It's unfortunate, but it is a part of the human experience. Now knowing that, we have to treat these down days like a cold. And what do we do when we have a cold? Most of us go out of our way to find the right remedy or medicine to put us in a better place.
Thankfully, artists like Angelcreatives and EkamiO have created pieces of art like Hello Anthem to lift our spirits and give us the space to use their projects as therapy sessions. Not everyone desires to sit down and speak to a therapist about their quarrels, and not everyone has an outlet they feel comfortable enough to divulge their deepest thoughts to. But that is precisely why this 3-song EP is so important. All someone has to do is go to their preferred streaming source andtunr on Hello Anthem.
The opening record, ‘Hello Anthem’ is placed perfectly as an intro. You are welcomed into the experience with open arms. The vocals sooth your mind and truly give you the space to become vulnerable, put your guard down, and fully immerse yourself in this sonic therapy. “Hey hello. 24/7 Hey hello,” the vocals sing to you in a repetition. This 50 second track is a track set up to flawlessly transition into track number 2, “I’m Well (Wellness Anthem)”. Track two feels like a response to the opening track, as the lyrics recite: “I am well in the morning… I’m well evening, I’m well, 24/7 I am well,” track two follows the same musical pattern as track one, and is just as jolly/tropical. Not only does it serve as a response, but also as an affirmation. The more you hear it, the more you sing it, you start to believe it. I can tell you, as I played this record on replay, I immediately felt a level of relief and carefreeness enter my day. It’s almost impossible for it to not, there’s nothing but positivity seeping from this EP. The more you sing it to yourself, or just leave it on with a purpose to listen, it does its job.
The simplicity of this EP is also impressive. None of these tracks are long, they don’t even hit the 3-minute mark. For a matter of fact, tracks 1 and 3 don’t even hit the 3-minute mark. But their message is clear each and every time. Track 3 has some of the most beautiful and impactful guitar play you could ask for on an EP like this. It has the electric feel of an 80s soft rock song, but carries all the care and sensitivity that the rest of the composition and vocals manage to do.
This track seems to resonate with many other notable critics in the music world, as Chillout Radio stated: “One of the standout features of “Hello Anthem” is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining contemporary. The song’s structure and melody pay homage to classic anthems of the past, yet it is infused with modern elements that ensure its relevance in today’s music scene. This delicate balance is a testament to Angelcreatives’ talent and vision, positioning them as a band that honors tradition while forging new paths.”
Looking to brighten up your day and live an overall more positive life? Well, this project is for you. Don’t just keep it for yourself though, share it with those around, you never know who’s day you just turned around.
Take a listen
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