"SOUNDS" is a highly original and rewarding debut. Norman Vladimir has crafted a deeply effecting nugget of a mini-mixtape for - or about - a special someone. Impressively, in just five songs, the NYC-based artist walks through the pining for, losing of, and rediscovery of love (or at least a potent and electricity-inducing connection). Jolts of charged butterflies fall away to aching regret before a resurgence and ultimate lullaby. The musical landscape is no less varied - and yet flows thematically and cohesively as well. A deliciously sultry R&B flavor infuses the very catchy up-tempo songs. Jazzy piano is laid down with a buzzing percussion to compliment a propulsive poem on love's rollercoaster ("Crazy") and if Sufjan Stevens produced a soulful crooner you would have "120 Volts." Both will have you dancing (and singing) in your room as you get ready for a night on the town. And if Brian Wilson produced the Fleet Foxes (both thematically and melodically), "Feelin' Up" and "Breakdown" would be the results. I mean that as high praise, not to imply anything blandly derivative here (because you haven't heard these combinations!). These tracks make you want to stay in your room a little longer, noise-canceling headphones helping you linger with those connections that come along that keep you up talking all night...and what it feels like when those same connections fall apart. The giddy hope and/or longing are palpable and deeply effecting. "Silver Tree" is melting a capella prayer of a tune that tries to ward off the usury of the surrounding world to enable a gentle and safe night's sleep. Norman Vladimir's velvet voice commands an enviable range of both notes and textures. However, as a composer, he doesn't "overplay" his hand when it comes to his pure and acrobatic vocal talents – the result is a seductive invitation to what he wants you to holistically enjoy musically AND lyrically. This is a unique and special find. It is fingers wrapped around a warm cup of coffee on a cold and cozy morning - toes tapping and emotions undulating and reflective in safe space. It is a late night playlist - for the warm embrace of a bedroom or as you and your friends get ready for a night out in the city. That it holds all these facets together must be heard to be believed. Here's to hoping we can hear many more "sounds" from Norman Vladimir in the very near future.