Anxious by FTHMLSS

Manchester-based producer Fthmlss has rapidly built a name for himself stitching together curious beats that traverse lofi, downtempo and hip hop styles. Working with established labels including Village Live, Aviary Bridge, and Atlantic Chill, he has become a staple of Hip Hop and Beats Spotify Editorial playlists and his unique productions are always musically rich, playing like ethereal vignettes from a different world.

The EPs title track ‘Anxious’ has already received support from Huey Morgan on BBC 6Music featuring in Asta Hiroki’s Introspective Guest Mix for Mental Health Awareness Week, and there couldn’t have been a more relevant spot for it as the EP focuses on mental health and self-care as a central theme.

Via six new tracks Fthmlss explores existential and introverted ideas, looking inwards for answers. The tracklist is comprised of two polarised halves, travelling from the peaceful and nature-inspired sounds of opening number - ‘Still’ it carries a similar mood through to third track ‘Into The Mist’ before revealing a different, more agitated sound for the latter three tracks.

‘Anxious’ and ‘Sombre’ showcase the producers ability to craft thought-provoking hip hop beats whilst the record closer - ‘Heart Attack’ provides a wonderfully unexpected twist with an emotive lofi footwork-influenced vocal track. The thumping kick line brings the listener in immediately while guest vocalist Christie’s lyrics and guitar line fade in and out of coherence. It’s a perfectly balanced record that sees Fthmlss pushing the boundaries of lofi music and showing that genres are there for record store owners, not artists.

In his own words the artist explains more:

“The sheer thought of the complexities of life and the universe can become daunting, inescapable as you are swallowed up by a tsunami of thoughts.

This project delves in to processes of the mind. Throughout every situation in life our perception can change our outlook. Without hesitation or warning the exact same situation can send us down different paths. I want to spread awareness of mental health and the importance of self care. Making sure we are taking positive steps for our wellbeing.”

- Fthmlss

FTHMLSS is an electronic music producer carving out his own lane in the scene. Once known for crafting laid-back lo-fi beats, he's now shifting gears and diving headfirst into the high-energy, club-focused side of electronic music.

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