Moody - Silky Vibe (R&B/Pop) Silky Vibe joins our blog this week with 5-track EP “Moody”. A blend of trap, soul and alternative R&B, the collection tells a narrative of yearning, loss, rejection and ultimately realization of the need to move on from toxic love. Before we dive into the album, let’s start with a bit about our artist.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Silky Vibe is a singer, songwriter, producer and musician, having crafted the beats and recorded vocals for “Moody” himself on his phone through FL Studio Mobile. Dedicated to crafting smooth, atmospheric records, Silky Vibe draws inspiration from classic R&B, Neo Soul and ambient soundscapes to create a mood of intimacy and relaxation. Silky Vibe counts Usher, Frank Ocean and the recently departed D’Angelo as inspirations, and aims to graft personal lyrics onto catchy melodies. Overall, Silky Vibe’s MO is to chill you out.
On “Moody”, Silky Vibe does just that, delivering 5 records that weigh heavy on the heart. Often playing with minimalist instrumentation, Silky Vibe’s emphasis is on emotion, delivered with the beautiful sadness of his vocal delivery and lyrics that cut like a knife. This is certainly a vibes-first collection of tracks that line up together as a cohesive, ambient experience.
EP opener “Just Like That” sets the mood immediately with sparkling key stabs sounding like warped church bells. The minimal instrumentation trickles in slowly over the course of the track as Silky Vibe’s crispy, short-verbed vocal bleeds on the track, lamenting a love that plays with his emotions, pleading for the relief of honesty. It’s a heart-wrenching performance that sets the tone for the project, the track almost feeling like a funeral procession for Silky Vibe’s heart.
Title track “Moody” glides us into some smooth, classic R&B, punctuated by the relentless trap hat that propels the track forward. The emotions of the prior record bleeds over as Silky Vibe sinks into his feelings of rejection, turning from external yearning to internal suffering. A wailing guitar pairs with emotional backgrounds to fill out the track. The lyrics on this one hit hard, with “she say that she love me, must be out of options” sticking with us after the listen. Relatable.
“Wontcha” picks up the tempo with a classic 90s R&B percussion arrangement, as Silky Vibe wonders why his love interest sits on the sidelines, pleading for them to get things started. As in the prior record, the wailing guitar compliments Silky Vibe’s yearning.
“Mess With Me”, our favorite on the album, sizzles with that lo-fi, rainy day coffee shop vibe with an instrumentation that swells with desire. Silky Vibe’s vocals are strongest here, delivering us a sensual track that makes us want to slip into a hot tub with a glass of wine. We love the vibe on this one.
Finally, EP closer “My Sweet” enters the realm of avant-garde, as a warped atonal synth bell plucks ominously throughout the track, bringing us back to the minimalism of the intro record. The lyrics hit hard on this one, taking the spotlight, with Silky Vibe putting his yearning and desire aside, having had a revelation that his infatuation is no good for him after all, bringing the narrative of the collection full circle. “See you most clear when i close my eyes.”
TRACKS:
Just Say That
Moody
Wontcha
Mess With Me
My Sweet