Ford Sharpless Captures A Deep Well Of Emotion In “Undertow,” A Real Gem From His Album, Sugar Before Death.

by | Jul 4, 2025 | Latest

At the heart of Ford Sharpless’s work as an artist, musician, and producer, you’ll find a genuine sense of intimacy and peace. His music, rooted in lo-fi hip-hop and chillhop, creates lush, immersive worlds. He builds these soundscapes with mellow drum loops, vintage samples, and carefully layered melodies. His songs feel like audio polaroids; they’re fuzzy around the edges, full of feeling, and timeless. If you haven’t had the chance to hear his music before, today could be your lucky day.

Sharpless really shows his skill for creating atmospheric pieces with “Undertow,” the second track off his impressive 19-track album, Sugar Before Death. The song has already been praised by critics and has gathered over 3,000 streams on Spotify. “Undertow” is a whole mood and a vibe.

From its first notes, “Undertow” pulls you into a dreamlike space that feels like floating. The production is relaxed and vibey, but it’s also full of intricate details. A haunting mix of melody and rhythm gently pulls you in. The sharp percussion, compelling samples, clean scratches, and memorable keys all come together to create a rich sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

What makes this track special is its emotional depth. Drawing inspiration from early ‘90s hip-hop, Ford fills “Undertow” with the warmth of analog sounds and old-school soul, all filtered through a lo-fi perspective. There’s a quiet elegance in the way the beat hangs in the air, leaving room for you to think, relax, and imagine. It’s a track that fits any mood, perfect for the morning, a lazy afternoon, or a late-night drive.

“Undertow” is a clear high point of artistry and feeling on Sugar Before Death, an album that is quickly becoming one of the year’s most important lo-fi releases. It’s a track that you really need to feel, not just hear.

If you’re looking for a song to slow down your thoughts, lift your spirits, or just savor a beautiful moment, “Undertow” is the sonic chill pill you’ve been searching for. Ford Sharpless is making his mark on lo-fi music, and we are definitely here for it.

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