Exploring Love & Vulnerability with Razor Man's Latest EP "Conversations We Should Have Had"
This young Kenyan artist can best be described as a musical hustler. Having been steadily releasing music for the last three years, Razor Man is the epitome of a man on his grind. His newest EP, “Conversations We Should Have Had” is the latest addition to his already booming catalog. Released in September of 2023, “Conversations We Should Have Had” is a project that delves into ideas of vulnerability and openness in romantic relationships. Whether it’s the things left unsaid for fear of hurting your lover or the earnesty of wanting your partner to share with you, Razor uses this EP as a stage to present these feelings and discuss them with sincerity. The 4 track, 12 minute long project succinctly demonstrates its intentions with its tracks arranged to display the phrase, “QUESTIONS, NEEDING, HONEST, ANSWERS”. Razor Man has much to say and he’s imploring us to listen.
The first track, “QUESTIONS'' opens up with a slightly melancholic wind synth, piano and guitar melody that blend well to set the stage for the earnest search for connection Razor Man is presenting with this song. He asks his partner to truthfully show him how they feel. “Can you tell me what you’re feeling on the low…”, he only asks that they communicate with him. He asks her to share her feelings “on the low”, his request isn’t even one that would require public profession but an open connection with the young man himself. The song is hesitant in its growth, it starts off building energy but doesn’t quite break that threshold of intensity remaining grounded in its intention of offering a place for vulnerability. A feeling that is exemplified in the consistency of the opening piano sample. “QUESTIONS” is a strong opener to this short project, it aptly sets the stage for the rest of the EP.
“NEEDING” is the second track, coming in hot with groovy melodies and bouncy beats. “NEEDING” is a step up from “QUESTIONS” as far as intensity building. The song will immediately have you ready to dance. Its sultry guitar and steady drumline pull the hips whether you want them to or not. Every element of the production has its own bounce, the song sonically pulses up and down, but its many elements never clash. The partnership between Razor Man and this EP’s producer, Elvis Rimberia is a strong one with Elvis perfectly understanding how to blend in Razor’s gravelly bass heavy vocals.
The EP’s first feature comes in the project’s third track, with beautiful vocals from the remarkable singer, songwriter and producer Andyah. “HONEST” tentatively glides to a start with an enchanting electric guitar riff, with its lowest frequencies cut out. The filter creates mystery as Andyah begins her soulful crooning over what evolves into the beat of a party anthem. Andyah is a powerful singer, with great control over her bold vocals. She cries out, pulling on our heartstrings as she sings asking her partner, “...want to know, if we’re honest…” . She makes her stance known, if she’s not shown honesty she’ll be leaving. This references the same vulnerability presented by Razor in the opening track. Andyah is calling for pure honesty, questioning if the romance created was with any true authenticity. Razor Man pops onto the track to switch up the soulful vibes created in the start, with the bridge introducing a quick and steady 4 on the floor rhythm. Razor Man rides the rhythm matching his vocals and timing to the new beat, which calls the listener to get up and dance.
Taken by Wasamu Photography
Razor Man closes out the EP, with a track deeply reminiscent and influenced by his coastal heritage. “ANSWERS” featuring fellow Kenyan artists, Maali and Caleb Awiti is a beautiful fusion of these coast natives musical sensibilities. The young men each bring a different sonic influence in their performance. Maali’s RnB vocals carry with them a strong sensual quality as he implores his lover to talk to him, to open up and let him be there for them. His smooth voice meshes well with the more somber energy carried out by the beat, adding an enchanting RnB quality to the track. Caleb Awiti’s easily recognisable soprano eases into the song contrasting Razor Man’s rumbling bass. Caleb’s short verse holds an alluring affection with a slight taarab influence. The boys are bringing back begging with this track, repeatedly asking to provide answers for their loved one. Urging their partner to open up their mind and let them alleviate the pressure of curiosity.
“Conversations We Should Have Had”, tells the story of love. Love that must be communicated through, love that must be willing to be vulnerable, and ready to show up. Razor Man has created a lively, sonically cohesive, lyrically memorable project to be enjoyed by listeners of any genre. His infectious melodies and funky rhythms pull you in and keep you locked in through all 4 songs. I am very excited to see what this musical hustler does next.
'Conversations We Should Have Had’, is available on all streaming platforms.
