TheMIND - Dancing While Crying in the Middle of Nowhere
The 2010’s are among the times that come to mind when I remember significant moments in my life. The releases of a lot of funky-fresh rap and R&B had kept on my radar during my times out of school. I like to associate songs with particular moments in time, and again at the time, a lot of the artists I listened to, including Daniel Caesar, Pink Sweat$, and Giveon, felt quite exhilarating. These days, it's not easy to find artists that are like that. Fortunately for us, some people still seem to have it.
Originating from Philadelphia, this Chicago-based R&B artist has made an entrance to the scene like no other. Zarif Wilder is the maker of theMIND, his first release taking place in 2017, Ms. Communication, Featuring Da-P and Sun. It all fits together with an ambient rhythm bass line filling our ears, a steady, subtle drum beat, and an effortless, soulful delivery of the poignant lyrics. Following a few releases of music by theMIND, gaining listeners and fame while doing so, collaborating with artists like Chance the Rapper, Noname, Saba, and Mick Jenkins too. His latest drop is dated to July 24, 2024.
The 7-track album Dancing While Crying In The Middle Of Nowhere by theMIND shows us into the domain of self-discovery along with dealing with infatuation, love, and loss.
We're provided Point Nemo, which begins with a repetitive, lush piano piece accented by bass licks and a steady beating of the drums, which draws us in, waiting for more. A few sporadic piano notes tie everything together well, offering another musical element that makes discussing it even more worthwhile. “I waited way too long to tell you how I feel. Now I’m by myself; you’re with someone else, and I guess that’s just the way it goes.” Alluding to being afraid of admitting feelings for someone, eventually working up the faith, and finding it's too late. Infatuated with this person yet stuck alone, knowing that someone you once felt for has become with someone else. This sets the stage for the following tracks on the album.
MAD HONEY navigates with a felt pulse in our ears, followed by an ongoing beat, the beginning reminding you of a “scrubbing” of a vinyl by a DJ almost. To one’s observance, there are a few vocal tracks below the leading vocal track, which compliments and echoes, adding a further level of emotion and haze. Putting aside the instruments, the lyrics illustrate a figure who is attracted by the other person's charming demeanor and wishes for more of them in their life. As we listen here, "Honeycomb lover, I'm stuck in your hive." onto, "I need your sweetness in my life; it keeps me alive." This sets the tone for much of the song, as they are becoming eager and enamored with this person. The outro concludes with the buzzing of bees, which brings the lyrics to life in a delightful manner.
The track GINA greets us with harmonies that feel like a breath of fresh air. We’re then met with an upbeat rhythm and soft adlibs. This track captures the dynamics of “mean girls.” This is all brought together by the steady drumming and the hazy bass line. "I think you're just my type, nice girls just ain't no fun," suggesting that perhaps the act of chasing them and their heart and attention is more interesting or twisting their feelings is just more "entertaining."
After that is HIGH BEAMS. Visualize being in an empty room with the sound of a mellow guitar resonating all around you. A few moments in, the song unfolds with intertwined singing tracks and a pleasant, rich piano background as well. As the tune comes to an end, everything fades away with a few spoken phrases that sound distorted or unclear, yet a beautiful track.
OH DEER (DAMN LOVE, REALLY) is particularly notable. It seems as though you are treading water within the difficulties of love. This line, "We used to laugh at each other; now we get nervous and flustered," puts the reader into the narrative and makes it less difficult for them to relate. The majority of us have experienced relationships, including getting to know one another, feeling at ease with one another, and even experiencing uncomfortable moments together. A melodious guitar solo carries us away as the song goes on and concludes. Putting a foot forward but pleasing to the ear, it’s sound accented by the harmonies sung intertwine beautifully.
In CINDY'S SHOE, the narrative is around decision-making. It appears that there is only so much time to spend with one another before deciding if that time should continue for time to come or stop. The title reminds us of the story of Cinderella, and her glass slipper. Becoming something more than what she came from, showing her potential and true heart. But the spell once cast entails that she must turn back before the clock strikes 12:00. With her glass slipper left behind, the prince sets out to find her. The line, "We made all of these changes; it was all fun and games 'til the clock struck 12:00," makes reference to this. The vocal track for this is textured, with multiple voices singing the same tune on top of each other. The bass line in theMIND's songs functions as a compass, pointing us in the right direction for how the songs should be heard. Among other tracks, this one is outstanding and well balanced due to it’s intriguing lyric material and driving beat.
EASY TO MISS YOU is a song about companionship and being in love. A piano ballad is drawing us in; it gives the feeling of breathing in the air after it storms. This track is notable, it stands out to me like none other. “I’d rather cry with you, than smile alone,” demonstrates how strong feelings of affection and infatuation might be. The tune, accompanied by piano and string instruments, made my chest swell and my eyes to well up with a few tears. As an unfamiliar listener, this will undoubtedly make its way onto my own playlist in a while. It is shown that theMIND is a master at communicating emotions, and the ability to put into words and sentences how one can feel while keeping it understandable and captivating is an acquired ability. “Your face, it’s worth more than my bad days,” expresses a message of hope; we all have our days, some better than others, yet others feel like a hit after another. Whether it's a song, a show, a meal, a location, or a person, some things might get us out of a gloom, and we understand here that for the characters in question, the other character is just that remedy. This track with an emotionally moving piano outro concludes our story here.
Written by theMIND, the album “Dancing While Crying In The Middle Of Nowhere” is a must-listen. I think everyone is going to appreciate this album; it is in detail put together, with both lyrical and instrumental features that are admirable. I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's experiences and points of view; in the meantime, look at theMIND's past works and what he has to offer. As a fan, I hope that theMIND plans to tour following the album release.