I’ve been a huge fan of Houston’s Seth Sutch for a minute. As a lover of finding new music, there’s nothing more fun than watching an artist’s progression in real-time. Seth has utilized his Twitter account to showcase his steady improvement by consistently posting videos of his recording process and showing snippets of songs he’s been working on to his 3,000-plus followers. He also is constantly on stage performing, a talent some would say is a lost art form for this new generation of upcoming artists. To say I was looking forward to this new tape would be an understatement.
Seth has a style that makes me think of a number of potential influences. His beat choice can range from instrumentals I could hear Drake on to some that could have easily landed on Dreamville’s Revenge of the Dreamers. I know rappers hate people complimenting the beats before talking about the rhymes, but damn does Seth have an ear for beats. All of these songs made me want to freestyle as the track faded. His singing reminded me of The Kid LAROI with their similar raspy voices but with a much more potent pen that showcases Seth’s vulnerability. His rapping style has no comparison for me; it’s just some good ass raps.
I also love this album title. Besides how it connects to the album’s themes, it’s just a dope title with an equally eye-catching album cover. I actually happened to have my first listen of this tape as I walked on the beach at sunset, and ‘lemme tell ‘ya, it matches the vibe. So, without further backstory, here is my review of Sunset Nostalgia.
“Foreshadow”
The album begins with the most monotone style that Seth uses throughout the album, but he quickly switches to the melodic rapping style that he heavily uses throughout the project. He repeats the phrase “I’m finally here” while mentioning leaving old memories in the past as he inches closer to his sunset. This is a great intro that previews the vibe throughout the project.
“All Grown Up”
One of the many amazing beats on the project. Within the first two tracks, we can already see the honesty that Seth intends to provide us with throughout the album. He discusses his time in a mental hospital as a teen and relying on medication for his health. He seems to be incredibly stronger since these early setbacks. A characteristic he credits his mother for as she raised two kids on her own. I love his Houston-esque vocal inflections on the chorus. You can tell this album title wasn’t picked for its cool sound (although, as mentioned earlier, it’s a sick title). He mentions again being close to his sunset, a place where he sees his dreams becoming a reality.
“Better as Friends” featuring Dende
Dende is a cheat code on any track, so there was no doubt in my mind I would enjoy this one. This was one of, if not the only, single for this project, and it’s pretty clear why. This is one of those beats I was saying earlier that gives a Drake vibe with the pitched sample in the beginning. This is our first fully fleshed-out chorus up to this point of the project. Dende just has one of those voices and pens that makes my ears perk up the second he hops on the track. This song is extremely relatable. What side of the situation painted that you’ve been on is an individual issue that can be taken up with Seth and Dende.
“Peace”
Yah. Ok. Yep. This is the one. I won’t touch on the beat too long, but if I saw this beat come up on my YouTube suggestions, it would be loaded into Logic within two minutes. This is my favorite track on the project. Seth nailed this one from the chorus to the rapping to the backing vocals in the verses. Even his choice of when to cut out the beat and lets his rhymes get the spotlight for a second is perfectly placed. His flow and melody changes keep you guessing, forcing you to listen to the whole track to see where he might go next. Especially the flow change in the second verse when he says, “I’m living free inside of they head.” Ironically, so is this flow.
“10,000 Hours”
Another track with an infectious sample. Malcolm Gladwell famously said that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, and it appears that Seth is inching closer to that mark. I also have to highlight again how he cuts out the beat to let the flow ride. I just love when artists do that at the proper time. Definitely suggest playing this one in the car on a nice evening drive.
“Mood Swings Interlude”
Seth’s singing on this track reminds me of a chorus that could come from XXXTentacion in his prime. Even the beat change in the second half reminds me of something I could hear X on. This is a quick track, but Seth executes a lot of different styles and is able to provide a lot of lyrical prowess in its short runtime. He reflects a lot on needing to focus on himself as the pressure of helping those around him is starting to weigh heavy.
“One Day”
This one has been stuck in my head for like three days. Thanks, Seth. I would say this track has the largest chance to “blow” for its catchiness and infectious beat. This is one of those tracks where I hear some of the potential The Kid LAROI inspiration. Those guitar strings live rent-free in my head. He spends the majority of the track singing, and he executes it well for someone who focuses heavily on his rapping. This is not a style I would typically bump by myself, but out of all the songs that I constantly hear my friends play in this style, this one is near the top of the deck.
“Motivate” featuring Chris Patrick
I’m a simple man. I see a Chris Patrick feature; I click play. Oooooo, those horns. Yet another beat I would love to use myself. “I’ve been motivating, but who’s gon’ motivate me.” I love this phrasing as it continues the theme of Seth helping others, but needing help himself. Seth is someone who clearly has put his all into his music, something not every rising artist can say. Now, Chris’s verse. This man’s pen is insane. “Blew my first deal, I got ransacked/I worked double time to get those bands back.” Chris beautifully continues this theme of finding the inner motivation to achieve dreams. “Slept on floors with a cramped mattress /Had to press record and make a damn classic.” This song literally motivated me to start writing reviews again, so cheers to Seth and Chris.
“Popstar!”
Another track that’s great for a late-night drive. I don’t really know why the track is called “Popstar!” as Seth talks about not making music for the fame repeatedly on the track. This track isn’t the most introspective on the album, but the chorus is catchy as hell.
“Real Life” featuring Lucas Home
Back to some introspection! This beat is insane, especially in headphones. “Fake love come around, but I ain’t got no guest list.” Seth really desires the genuine support that he gives to those around him. Lucas Home steals the show on this one as he gets brutally honest about the death of his brother. “Money couldn’t buy me a single ounce of your presence.” Damn, that one hits home. This verse made me tear up as someone with two brothers who also act as my best friends.
“Sunset Drive”
Now, sadly, we have reached the last track. A great closing song to wrap up the themes of chasing after dreams and desiring someone to give him the support he provides to others. “I feel like I’ve been chasing my whole life.” Seth is someone with huge aspirations, and he will dedicate all of his time and energy to accomplishing these goals.
