A contemporary poet, North East London’s up-and-coming artist Arz has built a reputation that details the intricacies – both good and bad – of modern-day dating. Pushing aside the derogatory views that are often praised online, his approach enables vulnerability to shine and in turn dismantles deflective behaviour that can often lead to toxic relationships. In other words, he makes having feelings look cool. Following up from his 2022 release ‘No Features’, the one-to-watch artist has returned with the release of his latest project titled, ‘Can’t Commit’. Throwing a smaller lens on the trials and tribulations that come with love, relationships, and finding balance with his lifestyle, Arz takes us through 10 tracks with features from British OG Yung Fume, and fellow newcomer Azuki.
Kick starting the project with the pre-released fan-favourite, ‘Emirates’, Arz leans on a Billie Eilish sample that weaves in and out of the Celil-produced beat. Continuing to wave the flag for Lo-Fi rap, the genre that propelled him into viral success, his lyrical prowess and storytelling sits at the forefront of this track. Setting the boundaries with his love interest from the early stages he poses the question, “I don’t want surface. Are you my person? Do you have purpose? If you play with my heart, it’s curtains” in ‘London 2 Miami’. Not looking to waste his time on something temporary, his direct approach continues throughout the project.
Calling on newcomer Azuki for their stand-out track ‘Choosing You’ the pair compliment each other seamlessly and pick up the pace in this melodic cut. Reiterating that self-love is important for a relationship to last, in ‘So Far Gone’ Arz questions how loving them will be any easier if they don’t love themselves. Slowing it down in ‘World War’, he opens the chorus via a voice note before lining the acoustic production with an emotionally charged narrative that zooms in on the trickier sides of love. Tapping British OG Yung Fume for ‘Man On A Mission’, he closes the project with both ‘Only Arz Freestyle’ and ‘Locked In’.
Delivering everything you would expect from an Arz project, ‘Can’t Commit’ shakes off some aspects of predictability to present an authentic body of storytelling that sits as a strong milestone in his career thus far. From the production, through to the use of notable samples, his ability to speak to the listener and create relatable narratives can’t be touched. Leading as a good example for the younger generation, his effortless swagger and lover boy antics is a refreshing take on dating in this day and age.
7/10
Words: Elle Evans
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