After already dropping an expansive set of EP’s the last two years, Chicago’s voice of an unsung generation, theMIND, continues to push past his own musical boundaries.
Dancing While Crying in the Middle of Nowhere is the latest from the singer/ songwriter, and showcases theMIND’s writing going in a more vulnerable, yet jazzy direction. TheMIND is the moniker of Chicgago’s own Zarif Wilder, a voice that’s been featured on your favorite song for the better half of the last decade. Wilder has been wildly associated with the Chicago Neo Soul renaissance, providing vocals for other culture-tiding artists such as Kari Faux, Ghetto Sage, and the upcoming Kaicrewsade.
Wilder started moving in his own direction with the seminal, sophomore project Don’t Let It Go To Your Head at the start of the 2020s. This is where we see an upgrade in song composition, writing, and experimentation with production. Since then, Wilder has shown nothing but dedication to growth on all fronts, using EP’s to explore different ideas.
While Wilder is no stranger to getting vulnerable in his music, Dancing While Crying in the Middle of Nowhere sees the singer exploring one concept while building a melancholic ambiance around it. As the official sequel to Don’t Let It Go To Your Head, Wilder spends no time establishing his jazzy upbringings and knack for writing catchy hooks. This album goes through a number of ups and downs but is consistent in theme and execution. It starts with a bouncy, more energetic tempo and manages to keep that energy while exploring this theme of meeting someone who sparks the flame again. All to come to fruition with the feeling of fleeting coming into play with the album closer.
The project is filled, front to back with sensational moments that shine with a sincere warmth. There’s a multitude of musical moments that set themselves aside and mark specific moments within the album that yearn to come back to. One said spark is the closer to “OH DEER (DAMN, LOVE REALLY).” After a great three-track run with theMIND letting loose his resenting, yet comforting confrontation with his romantic feelings, “OH DEER (DAMN, LOVE REALLY)” comes right after with a lighter instrumental to tone down the weight of the message, while keeping that sentiment intact. This all crescendos with a beautiful guitar solo.
This is just a number of sonically pleasing moments provided by the team MIND brought for the occasion. Eugene Tsai had the most work on the production and his chemistry with theMIND provided some of the most stirring songs in his entire catalog.
TheMIND can’t be stopped. Whether it’s showcasing a range of different musical stylings or detailing the rollercoaster of love in its evolution, the Chicago creative has another example of his prowess under his belt.
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