by Matthew Hirsch (@pocketsssssss)
If there is one thing I have learned from living in Virginia for a cumulative 25 years of my 26-year life, it is that the state’s creators, of any medium, do not stop. Ty Sorrell (they/them) and A.G. Himself (he/him), both Virginia-natives and current Richmond residents are no exception to this rule, releasing their joint debut as Cardinality, which released via Grimalkin Records.
Partners inside and outside of music, Sorrell and A.G.’s chemistry is apparent from the start of the album. Sonically, the album meanders from the ethereal (“Alive Again”) to the severe (“Back N’ Forth”) all while synthesizing a wide range of influences derived from jazzy samples, electronic textures, soulful vocal melodies, and glitchy percussion. While it is en vogue for musicians to release projects spanning a variety of styles to show off their apparent versatility, the pair actually pull it off here, rendering any of the varied elements that they call upon as seamless additions to Cardinality’s universe. However, while the sonics of the album bring a lot to the table, it is the performances and personalities of Ty Sorrell and A.G. Himself that push Cardinality to the next level.
Given that this is Sorrell’s sixth release since the start of 2019 (see my original point regarding Virginia’s tireless creators), it is incredible how on-point they sound on this new project. With an endlessly effortless flow that is equally intriguing whether playful as on “Fusion” or when dealing with heavier, more existential topics as on “Alive Again,” Sorrell is careful not to take themself too seriously but remains simultaneously unafraid to delve in to the darker corners of the collective conscience.
While Sorrell handles most of the rapped portions of the album, A.G. Himself provides the perfect melodic balance. A.G.’s delicate yet assured voice contributes multitudes to the album’s gorgeously murky aesthetic and, on tracks like “Vanity,” elevates the song to the next level. Other standout album cuts include “Patterns,” which takes a hard look at the monotony of day-to-day life and features a show-stopping verse from Richmond veteran and multi-disciplinary artist Rob Gibsun.
Overall, Cardinality’s first release exemplifies balance. Whether lyrically, sonically, or emotionally, all facets of the project exist in their right place -- nothing is marginal nor is anything taking up too much space. Cardinality is an exciting debut for the previously-unreleased duo, a welcome addition to an already-flourishing music scene. One can only hope that they keep at it, as Virginia’s finest often do.