What’s remarkable about the lo-fi creator Ford Sharpless is his ability to say so much with very little. His minimalist arrangements don’t scream for attention; they gently pull you in. Every element feels intentional and emotionally resonant, whether it’s a grainy piano loop, a distant vocal chop, or the soft crackle of vinyl. Ford is a storyteller who uses texture, tone, and tempo to paint vivid mental landscapes instead of words. He creates music that earns your focus effortlessly, offering comfort, reflection, and a gentle escape from the noise of everyday life.
On “Undertow,” the second track from his evocative new album “Sugar Before Death,” Ford Sharpless shows again how powerful subtlety can be. This U.S.-based producer has been refining his craft for years. With this track, he taps into something that feels timeless, blending warm nostalgia with a distinctly present-day feel.
Think early ‘90s hip-hop, but playing underwater. Think jazz samples melting into ambient textures. Think of a beat that gently pulls you inward instead of pushing you forward. That’s “Undertow.” It’s lo-fi done with precision and a welcome dose of personality, which, let’s be honest, is rarer than it should be in the genre.
The real magic is the mood. Crisp percussion, shimmering keys, and vinyl-soaked scratches swirl together in a way that’s hypnotic without being sleepy. It strikes a hard-to-find balance, creating a track that is vibey yet alive, chill without being forgettable. This is music for people who truly listen to lo-fi, instead of just letting it play in the background.
Since its release, “Undertow” has already gathered over 3,000 Spotify streams, and that number is still climbing. It’s a clear sign that Sharpless is creating resonant moments for his listeners. This one in particular feels like a slow-motion walk through your own memories, headphones on, with the world completely tuned out.
Whether you’re trying to focus, winding down, or are somewhere in between, “Undertow” deserves a permanent spot on your playlist. It’s the kind of track that can set the whole mood by itself.
Ford Sharpless seems to truly live inside the world of lo-fi. “Undertow” feels like one of his most natural, heartfelt expressions yet.
Why don’t you give it a listen and see how you feel? Fair enough, right? That’s what I thought.