We’ve previously shared the work of New York, USA-based soul and blues artist Sydmac before, but not since 2021 when he caught my attention through his emotive track, Hums.

By Graeme Smith

Fast-forward a few years and it’s great to have him back on our blog through his boundary-pushing new album, The False Self and The Vase. You get the album’s sense of experimentation straight away through its echoing, chanting opener Bring the Love and the collection never lets up from there.

Sirens provides a moody groove while The Meeting is soft and reflective. The whole album tells the story of a time of great personal change for Sydmac and this comes through strongly as it progresses. Sadness is confessional in its fiery bars while Bread and Circuses is more outward-looking. Its vibrancy and message makes it a highlight.

The album’s second half gives us further highlights through the bright and punchy Alive, the biting and philosophical Surmise and The Vase, which reflects nicely on the album’s journey through a gentle and meaningful composition. Reminisce then closes the album with some old school hip-hop flair.

Sydmac makes beautifully soulful music and isn’t afraid to do something different with it. Most importantly, he’s able to tell a compelling story and it’s for that reason I’ve found myself returning to his sound.

The False Self and The Vase is set for release 19 February 2025.