THE ADONI infuses a soulful style into the glistening kaleidoscopic rush, TOO MANY VICES. Production reigns supreme throughout the journey and has a lush, plush kick. A skilled storyteller, he manages to let these verses cascade downwards, reflecting upon a life lived with too much chaos, looking for some semblance of sensibility. Funk, hip-hop, the blues, pop, and more enter the fray. He lets the melodies perfectly sync up with his narrative, which gives it that added intimacy. Best of all, there are hooks aplenty, so even at the rawest, most personal moments, a degree of softness enters the equation.
“Innocence (feat Johan Lenox)” sets the tone for the album – chilled-out and magnificent. Show-stopping “Spring or Sprung” takes a page out of Kendrick Lamar’s smooth, serene, and clear-eyed focus. On “Sofia Richie (feat. PRO-LIFIC & SPILLY CAVE),” a summery, sunburnt aura emerges. Handclaps give “ILYSM (feat. PELL)” that different communal quality. The silky bass on “Superficial Smile” feels luxurious.
“Vices Anonymous (Interlude)” messes with listener expectations, bringing up a Frank Ocean vibe. A yearning defines the tender as “Locked in (for the night).” Woozy chords and a nice, hard-hitting drum kick give “Reachin’” a giddiness. Percussive elements bounce off the walls on the commanding “Psycho.” Parts of “Off Guard (feat $LEAZE EZ)” have the desire to rise all the way up into the sky. Gentle vocalists play off each other on exploring “Find My Way (feat. SAMWYSE & AYOTEMI).” “DROPTOP” has a toybox melody that feels nostalgic. Elegantly bringing it all home is the fantastic sweeping finale of “Walkaway.”
