Vandell Andrew - Blind Trust Review | Ambient Music for a Rooftop Bar

Vandell Andrew is fresh off the release of his "Love Euphoria" with R&B veteran Raheem DeVaughn and The Colleagues and is now teaming up with Sir Tims to ask us to have "Blind Trust". Is this continuing his "Exhale" ambient music vibe or is this going to give us some "Balance". Let's find out!

Intro​

The track starts off with what sounds to be a Rhodes with a flanger with accompanying jungle noises. It’s a super cool vibe and would honestly be perfect if chopped up and put ontop of some New York Style Boom Bap drums. Someone call Hit Boy.

Analysis​

“Blind Trust” consists of some simple drums, a percussive loop, and a whole-note filled bass line that all repeat from start to finish. In fact, once the drums drop at 0:21 you’ll end up hearing the entire song by the end of the 4th measure. Vandell lays down some very sensual saxophone throughout but it never drives the track forward. His sax work ends up playing second fiddle to the Bass line which to me becomes the song’s Achilles’ Heel.

Typically on a Bass-led song you would reserve the long notes for certain sections of the song e.g. a bridge to hold down the bottom for the lead instrument(s) but not here. The long notes drone on for the entire affair making it feel like a song that’s about to drop...but never does.

When viewed as something to listen to for entertainment the song is at best boring but when viewed as background music it becomes the perfect mood setter for an upscale hotel, lounge or rooftop bar.

Parting Thoughts​

Blind Trust has more in common with the "Exhale" series than "Balance" or "30". It is not music that entertains you, it’s music you listen to while being entertained by something else. The song doesn’t tell a story, it’s the backdrop to whatever story you invite it to. With that said it’s a great song but what Vandell Andrew and Sir Tims were looking to accomplish with it is unknown.

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