Kamal. Treads Water On His New Mixtape ‘So here you are, drowning'

Kamal.’s ‘So here you are, drowning’ is an off-handed observational commentary of a chapter of the North-West Londoner's life delivered in an all-knowing way as if this was always the destination. Love always leads to loss and heartbreak.

Drawing inspiration from Caleb Azumah Nelson’s novel Open Water, ‘So here you are, drowning’ is Kamal.'s exploration of keeping his head above water whilst navigating a blossoming romantic relationship.

Over the course of the mixtape, we witness Kamal.’s honest and often personal thoughts as he shifts through these intense feelings, resulting in a body of work that leaves the musician transparent.

We feel the infatuation and giddiness of starting something new and watch as it develops into the surety of love and then difficulties of what commitment means to a young person who is still changing and learning about themselves.

The difficult balance between being an individual in a relationship versus being together, and martyrdom of feeling responsible for someone else’s vulnerability besides your own.

Composed of ten tracks, the mixtape is intricately linked together. Each track adds another cohesive layer to the vivid story being told.

One of the tracks released earlier in the year in anticipation of the mixtape, ‘Free Flow’ is produced with a warm acoustic guitar.

Kamal.’s affectionately expresses the thrill of beginning a new relationship. The excitement comes from being in a position where everything’s still new, however, that uncertainty also leads to feelings of anxiety.

On ‘Falling’ Kamal. exploring those feelings of anxiety. He reinforces his declaration of love by crooning on the hook of the song. But despite his own feelings he cannot help but question her and look for reassurance “You know I don’t believe in prophecy but can you tell me what you really see in me.” The arrangement of the track is made up of elegant synths, and percussion instrumental that provides an atmospheric air.

The contagiously light-hearted and fun ‘Bet’ is about the highness that love can take you. Kamal. positions himself as the instigator as he urges his love interest to spend time with him. It reminds you of being weightless and summer fun as he sings with a mischievous and sweet tone.

The emotive ‘So so close’ offers an introspective insight into the romantic relationship as Kamal. shares his doubts. Transitioning into ‘Sex on You’, Kamal applies smooth R&B vocals against an electronic moody production as he shares this intimate experience. Unfiltered he sings “You say my name like a prayer when your scraping your knees.”

‘Essential’ another of the singles released prior to the project explores the aftermath of the relationship and how Kamal. comes to the realisation that he can get over here.

Relassping on ‘White Wine’ Kamal. finds himself opposing a space in-between where he cannot quite let go of the memories or the emotions attached to his ex. It’s a special type of “grief” that makes him yearn for her, emphasised by the sounds of a haunting organ.

Speaking on 'White Wine', Kamal. shares:“white wine is essentially a memorial to a relationship in the form of a list. The verses simply list specific things that remind me of an ex-partner, and although the song starts rather optimistically, the second verse highlights some of the more sinister things that provoke those memories.”

Melancholic, and with raw honesty the northwest Londoner directly addresses his social anxiety on ‘Crowded Places’. Kamal. feeling entrapped and sensitive looks to his ex-love interest in safety.

Announcing he’s back, the north-west Londoner likens love to a drug on ‘Leave me alone’ as he comes to the conclusion that he cannot get over her. The production has a rock n roll feel to it complimenting Kamal.’s sweet airy vocals as he laments about the un-reciprocal repones to his affections.

Concluding with ‘Down’, Kamal works to reassure his love interest of her importance of keeping him above water. It’s a constant effort as Kamal actively fights against the pressure of life, the insecurities that sneak in at the quiet moments. Beautifully, produced you hear the subtle cymbals and percussion in the background of the track alongside the piano.

It is fitting that we hear the voice of the writer Caleb Azumah Nelson as he guides us out of the project on the last track ‘Drown’. Acting as the conclusion to the story and a reminder that the feelings explored are continuously existing in their own spaces.

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