I’m revitalized my friends. As we come close to the end of the year I found myself becoming numb to certain sounds in music. As artists continue to chase the trends of what's “hot” and labels continue to push for tik tok soundbites, swimming through the Apple Music files became a bit daunting. Times like this are when I spin the block and revisit some of my favorite artists to see what’s new, and I’m glad I did, or else I would’ve missed out on Brevard, North Carolina’s own Joe Trufant and his Sharks Hang Around EP.

I’m gonna cut the suspense and tell you Sharks Hang Around is my favorite effort from Trufant hands down. From the penmanship to the melodies delicately crafted and laid atop the beat Joe is a top chef cooking up his best recipes. This triple pack sees an artist who’s confident in his sound continue to consistently deliver good music. Joe has come through with 3 tracks full of high replay value. From the start, the title track isn’t what you play while you and your shorty are chilling at the house sharing the finest 8th you could afford from your plug. This is Joe singing about the struggles of his relationship. The 2 have grown apart over past mistakes. It's at the end. We’ve all been there. The production here is elite as well and helps Joe grab your attention from the start.

Full transparency, when the piano keys of the second track Not Another Night Alone came on I was a bit lost. It was a change in pace I didn’t expect after where Sharks Hang Around had just taken me. Soon as the heavy kicks come in though, all is right with the world. It’s a well-done display of Joe’s vocals even if they are aided by a touch of autotune. Here it acts as more of an instrument than a vocal enhancer. A nice change of pace that leaves me not sure what to expect next.

The project finishes with Too Special. A faster-paced record with a much more trap feel to it. Forget the “I Miss You” emotions here, this is where Joe Trufant digs deep in his bag and pulls out all the flexes to his ex. “Don’t Forget I Blessed You Baby” he echoes leaving you with your very next IG caption. Where was this song when I was trying to pretend like my life was flourishing after a tough breakup? Forget it. At just a little over 2 minutes it's a short track but it's got major replay potential in that 2017 Honda you drive. Believe me. All 3 songs have kept a nice rotation in my playlist since their release and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them in yours so stream Sharks Hang Around on whichever platform is getting your hard-earned pennies and dimes my friends.