Drawing Mazes is the musical project of Chicago, USA-based singer, song writer and producer Chris Pusinelli. He’s just grabbed my attention through the release of his debut EP, Living With Friction.

By Graeme Smith

Chris has been writing and recording music under various guises for years, and birthed Drawing Mazes last summer, realising he needed a new home for his track First of May. The track acted like an epiphany for him, and he understood that if he took his song writing and production seriously, there was something in it.

Based on the evidence of his debut EP, I have to agree. Living With Friction is a five-track collection that gives us quirky indie rock in the vein of Belle & Sebastian, Sufjan Stevens and The New Pornographers. Chris brings much of himself to the music, and the collection acts as a window into his world.

The EP opens with Planning an Escape and it’s a delicate start. Looping keys create the early atmosphere before soft vocals come in, giving us lyrics that are full of whimsy and imagery. From this intriguing start, the track builds to a melancholic groove with prominent drums providing a strong foundation to some breezy highs.

Stay Loose ups the emotion with a vibrant and pacy arrangement that combines pop sensibilities and experimentation beautifully. Title track Living With Friction gives us some pleasing percussion and an infectious, danceable groove. It’s a mid-EP highlight.

Things are then rounded off by the psychedelic, introspective Perfect Therapy and the ponderous and acoustic Misunderstood. The latter provides a deep yet bright message about being there for one another. It’s another highlight.

Chris is all in with Drawing Mazes. He’s quit his day job and is working on music full-time. An LP is promised next year and Living With Friction acts as the perfect prelude to whatever it might be. Drawing Mazes is living proof that it’s never too late to start pursuing your dream.

Living With Friction is set for release 1 May 2024.