The visible and audible growth EDEN’s been through since the release of ityttmom is insane. I remember whenever I listened to anything from his old discography and previous EP’s, I’d feel like I was almost listening to myself, in a way. His lyrics described, so perfectly, what I’m sure so many of his listeners thought, desired, and feared. The terror of running out of time, the inevitability of outgrowing youth, and the desperation to leave a mark on this world that will outlive you. It was so spot on that it was almost invasive, as if someone else had found my thoughts spilled on the floor and put them to music.
Listening to vertigo, however, makes me feel like I am listening to an older brother, as weird as that sounds. It's like the person with whom I once shared the same agonizing questions had finally found the answers. And yes, most of the time, the answer is that it's okay to not know the answer, but it's still comforting to hear from a person who’s made it to the other side, in a way. Much of the album seems to be a product of EDEN’s introspection, and whether the advice he offers is meant for the person he used to be or his audience (or both), it’s comforting to be able to find console in his words.
Yes, he’s grown, and he’s changed, but only for the better.