Album Review: Vydamo - Becoming Human

Jazz composer Charlie Parker once said: “Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn.” Thus experience, good and bad, is a recipe for musical wonder. Jim Finn from Art Vs Science, aka Vydamo, is someone who demonstrates how bad experience has the ability to produce something wonderful. Breaking away from Art Vs Science to create this side project, Finn experienced kidney failure before producing this, his debut solo album, which he did while undergoing treatment.

The album is a mixture of sounds, vibes and experiences, with multi-layered harmonies and happy vibes coming out of the wazoo, and Finn's optimism ever present. Most people would already be familiar with the infectious opening track Hurricane and inspiring Gonna Make It, which have both featured heavily on the radio since their releases. With their soaring vocals and memorable synth patterns, both tracks lend their sound to some serious head-bopping, uncoordinated dancing and thinking-you-can-sing notes as high as Finn.

The synth harmony that begins Bare Feet is too hard to ignore. It is catchy, bright, uplifting and empowering, making you feel like you're ready to conquer the complete unknown. On the flip side you will find Little Monster, with its piano-drenched sound and lyrics that will make your heart ache. The chorus ends with “And I know we're both so in love/But I don't think that you're the one” and I can guarantee you will find yourself with both goosebumps and tears in your eyes.

The album has an air of positivity, a radio-friendly sound and hooks solid enough to suck you in. Finn is a melodic genius; he's also the kind of guy you just can't help but be inspired by.