Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Rothstein has returned with his highly anticipated 13-track album, "How Not to Drown," and its rich material, both lyrically and musically. Accompanied by a visually stunning music video for the single "No Balconies in Vegas," Rothstein has delivered an album that dives deep into the human experience, offering a profound and emotionally resonant aural journey.
Rothstein characterizes his entire work as a mixture of beauty and darkness. He explains that within the album there is a narrative that does not belong solely to him. The album takes on a dark perspective but does so through a forward-looking lens, allowing fans to find their own voices in the music.
“My new album ‘How Not To Drown’ is pretty dark, but it's more concerned with being beautiful than anything I've made before. Darkness is like that; people do bad things because doing them feels good, and many of this record's most gut-wrenching moments feel so good it's easy not to notice what I'm saying. The misery, cynicism, and general nastiness are coated in very shiny paint, and that's just the way I like it” – Rothstein
"How Not to Drown" is a pessimist's look at what it takes to get your kicks before you die.
The standout track, "No Balconies in Vegas," serves as a great introduction to the album's themes. Rothstein's hauntingly beautiful voice takes center stage as he explores themes of loss, regret, and the fleeting nature of time. The music video that accompanies this single is a visual feast that adds another layer of depth to the emotional impact of the song.
Throughout the album, Rothstein's songwriting shines brightly. His lyrics are poetic, introspective, and stimulating. Each track tells a unique story, delving into themes of love, pain, self-discovery, and the human condition. Rothstein's ability to convey complex emotions through his music is a testament to his artistry.
The homogeneity of the album is one of its strong points. Tracks like "pushover," "valentina," and "love you like i do" show Rothstein's ability to create intimate and introspective ballads, while "chokehold" brings a more joyful and electrifying energy to the set.
Rothstein's vocals are the highlight of "How Not to Drown." His voice conveys rare authenticity and vulnerability that draws the listener in, creating a genuine connection between artist and audience. Whether he sings softly or belts out powerful notes, Rothstein's vocal performance is consistently captivating.
He is an extremely versatile songwriter who has worked with a wide range of artists, including multi-platinum producers, rappers, indie-rock bands, soul acts, and K-pop stars. He is also a member of the Grammy-nominated band/production collective Brasstracks, has toured and played sold-out shows with them, and has written songs for artists such as Yung Pinch, Goldlink, TOBi, Big Gigantic, Lido, MisterWives, and Jackson Wang.
"How Not to Drown" is a triumph for Rothstein and a testament to his status as a Grammy-nominated artist. This album is a moving journey through the complexities of the human soul and is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone lucky enough to hear it. Rothstein's ability to convey raw emotion through his music is a rare and precious gift, and "How Not to Drown" is a testament to the power of art to move and inspire.