When serpentwithfeet, the experimental R&B artists also known as Josiah Wise, release his debut studio album soil in 2018, he frequently referenced and reimagined brief romantic entanglements and the attached emotions of each. Passionate and vulnerable lyrics filled the record as they were sung over rather mysterious chord progressions and distant percussion. Years of personal growth and self-discovery, however, have allowed serpentwithfeet to paint new patterns of love with his sophomore album, DEACON.
Maintaining the passion that was so prevalent on his debut album, serpentwithfeet celebrates deep romantic connection on DEACON, in favor of quick, burnout relationships. Tracks like “Fellowship” and “Heart Storm”, which featured singer-songwriter NAO, feature the singer relishing in his appreciation for friendship. On the sensual side of the record, songs like “Same Size Shoe” and “Malik” show serpentwithfeet in his poetic pocket while honoring the importance of romantic relationships.
Lighter, fuller instrumentals resonate throughout DEACON, as various levels of percussion and wide-ranging synthesizers take turns in the spotlight. A step away sonically from what he accomplished with soil, DEACON maintains the Baltimore singer-songwriter’s honesty while successfully exploring sounds for a new chapter in is life
Listen to DEACON in full here and watch the video for “Same Size Shoe” below.
