Inspired by the music of Prince, Michael Gordon, Arthur Russell, Joni Mitchell, Sting, Byrne, Bush, and Stevie Wonder, alt-R&B artist Ferdinand, hailing from Kosovo, draws from these influences to craft timeless music that feels like being dropped straight into the ’80s.
Ferdinand’s new single, “Time’s Up,” functions as a period piece in its own right; you could easily mistake it for a lost track from the ’80s.
Its slow-paced rhythm, synth-forward, floating aesthetic, and boxy kicks set the tone, while Ferdinand’s sweet, inviting vocals blend seamlessly into the world he builds within the instrumental.
“Time’s Up” lets its floaty harmonies, complex beat, and expansive synths take center stage. While the lyrics sit low in the mix and can feel slightly muddled, the top-line melody still cuts cleanly through the sonic landscape Ferdinand has built.
The electric guitar that emerges toward the end adds an extra layer of tension, reinforcing the song’s tortured love motif and giving the track a poignant final lift.
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