TRACK REVIEW: Wolfred – Drowning

Accompanied by suitably atmospheric brooding synth pads that build up to an explosive sounding chorus, Wilf Stone (Wolfred) takes on the themes of mental health, self-destructive tendencies and the internal battling of personal struggle.

It’s sensitively done though, without either overblown bombast or self-pity, and the track benefits greatly for having this rather straightforward approach. At various points Stones’ rap-sung vocals rasp more deeply and give the piano-led track more heft. The splashy drumbeats and fuller chorus arrangements draw much more focus from the listener, especially following a very gentle interlude two thirds into the song. With lyrics detailing the issues that are both personal and universal there’s a lot to recognise and sympathise with, whether this is the singer’s own experience or used as a narrative device.