Review Summary: A trip inside the inner machinations of a dissociative individual.
Hailing from New York City, Vinny (or better known for his online alias "Vinesauce") brings us a solo effort that takes us on a psychedelic journey through the realms of confusion, envy, and disconnection. Throughout this record, you will hear the story about a human who wants to disconnect with both a person and the people around themselves. With a voice to match the tone of the album, what's to come is certainly a dark, and depressing trek.
Embarking on this trip, Room to Breathe begins with the narrator describing their frightful thoughts on the opener "Around You". Contrast to what the title may imply, the verses from the narrator tell a polar opposite story of fear and confusion in regards to a specific individual (who may be the same individual referred throughout this record). This is best understood with the background vocals stating they "Can't think of the words to say" and "I stumble and I run away" in combination with the main verses. Throughout this introduction, it's clear that the narrator can't see themselves around this person and more descriptions of this dissociative behavior can be heard in "Would You Believe Me". Heading into the title track "Room To Breathe", the depressive state of mind from the narrator is now unleashed. Throughout the song, you will hear several allusions to disconnection and harming one's self while still powering through life each day. Conceptually, in relation to how the song is lyrically constructed, it appears to be a letter or a recording of the narrator's inner thoughts with the focus being that certain someone from earlier. Accompanied by an ominous piano, it only adds to the message of what Vinny is conveying on this track.
Nearing the middle of the record, the narrator is now dealt with another state of mind: Entitlement. On the track "Envy", Vinny conveys the needs and wants of one individual's success and how the individual doesn't appreciate the people who got him said success. Envious about this person, the narrator feels the need to gain that success which can be interpreted by the lyrics "Wait and see". Later on the latter side of this story, the listener will digest how the narrator has dealt with relationship issues with someone and how they have regretted what they've done and owned up to their shortcomings. This is best conveyed on both the struggling "Until It Was True" and the lamentable "If I Ever" and seems to piece together the narrative of "Lyanna" from earlier.
As the narrative progresses, the final tracks on the album show that the narrator has conclusively decided to separate from this person and depicts the subject at hand as a failure. Several times throughout, you will hear negative descriptions about this person being a "leech" who has "taken too much" and has "burned every bridge you've crossed" on the track "Ruminator". The person guiding us on this journey will ruminate what this person has become. And finally, closing out the record, the narrator wants to be freed from his physical state by disappearing and cut all ties from contact with others. With a catchy, yet mellow and trippy sound on "Walking Illusion (Counting Sand)", it ties the bow on the album's narrative as the narrator ultimately disappears into the void.
With how dark of a tone the lyrics posses, it leaves me wondering who or what this certain individual is and their relationship with the narrator. From what the content on this record presents, it appears to be open to interpretation to the listener and what they make of it. I think the main critique I have with how the record sounds sonically is the variations of sound quality with some of the vocals and instrumentations. Vinny manages to hit the notes just fine but on songs like "Until It Was True" where the vocals seems to buzz in a way, it seems to stick out in conjunction with the rest of the tracks. Despite its subtle oddities with how it sounds, it's a structurally competent record with a grim, yet enthralling story to take in. Clocking in at roughly 26 minutes, it's perfect for the average commute across town, work, or to simply jam out to while at home.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Standout Tracks: Lyanna, Room To Breathe, Ruminator, Walking Illusion (Counting Sand)
