Review: The “Into” EP by Sonder: Neo-soul, R&B group on the rise

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Jaylan Ramos, Staff Writer

This past summer had its fair share of great music. One song however overpowered the rest when it came to radio play.

“Crew” by Goldlink was an immediate hit that landed on the airways and seemed to stick throughout the season. However, one can argue that the hook is what may or may not made the song.

Brent Faiyaz, the man who carried that catchy hook also is part of a group of producers that form the group Sonder.

Sonder’s most recent EP, “Into” was released earlier this year and made smaller waves within the more R&B savvy crowd. It’s this strong support amongst this community that may carry him into the forefront of hip hop and R&B and keep him there.

The EP which features seven songs that blend into the next, follow some of the themes of love but also bits of him finding his way through life and it’s challenging circumstances.

“Feel”: A classic “you have a man, but he’s not me” kind of tune. If you’re currently chasing after a girl that’s already taken, you might not want to listen to this song. Or you might, but brace yourself for some tears. You’ve been warned.

“Lovely”: Probably the smoothest songs about a stripper ever. “And I know you love me. And I think you’re lovely”. It’s the better, sweeter version of the “I’m in love with a stripper” trope often told by rappers. Faiyaz put some soul in it. And it’s truly amazing.

“Sirens”: One of the more telling songs of struggle on the EP talks about his youth. Faiyaz speaks about his troubles in his past including starving and trying to stay out of trouble but failing. There’s a message of relief in overcoming these problems and being able to look back on his doubters knowing he’ll never have to retrace those steps. “If I cared what they were talking ‘bout, I wouldn’t be here right now.” “You can’t touch me now, without being pat down. “ Faiyaz is almost laughing in the face of his haters that would now have to get pat down to be within his vicinity. He’s finally flipped the script on them.

“Too Fast”: The most popular song from the EP is about moving too fast in life in all sorts of aspects. “People say I drive too fast, move too fast, live too fast, ain’t no such thing as too fast for me”. Faiyaz is speaking on going against the grain and not leading the most average life path.

“Baldwin Park”: A nice interlude and a revamped version of another song the group has made.

“Searchin”: This is the ultimate yearning song. It puts together the near aching level of wanting someone for yourself. Faiyaz singing from the position of the sought after says, “You’ve been searching for me all along. You don’t have to keep on waiting. Girl, I heard your call” . It’s a real twist on the usual crooning done by men to women and it’s really refreshing.

“Care”: If you’re a single pringle wishing someone would pamper you like Faiyaz describes, this is the song for you. With it’s Destiny’s Child “Cater 2 U” vibes you immediately understand what it’s like to be cared for.

All in all, the Baltimore singer has seen a huge amount of growth in 2017. Since finishing his tour with Sonder on October 8th, many are awaiting his next music drop. Big things are coming for Faiyaz and Sonder. This is one to look out for.