Flamingosis’ latest record Better Will Come arrived with a simple, yet powerful message - “an album about being better for yourself, first and foremost.”
While faithful to his exploration when it comes to chasing the groove, Aaron's 6th studio album carries a slightly different scent. Something I quickly realized when glancing through the song titles and felt the first time I heard the ending of "Everything Comes and Goes".
Experiencing Better Will Come should be paired with knowing more about his personal story and what he has been through in recent years. Flamingosis posted a heartfelt message on Instagram a while ago and I think it adds to the puzzle that this record is.
“It took over 3 years to make, and I now feel comfortable talking about the significance of this project. Sometimes life knows you down in unexpected ways that you didn’t think were possible. It hit me very hard when I entered my early 30s. Even though my music career was going well, I made a lot of poor decisions, and the lack of balance severely affected my personal life.
I slowly turned into a version of myself that I wasn’t happy with, nor proud of. This led to a very negative downward spiral that made me want to give up on everything altogether. But after being at the lowest point, when all the tears had been shed and the feelings had been felt, I decided to finally make a change of mind and be better for myself.
Stay up to date.
New music and exclusive updates in your inbox weekly.
Every day since then has been a day to work diligently towards the better version of myself that has always been within me all along. Committing to that decision was the hardest part (and it still is time to time). But if you’re willing to stick with it and make the necessary steps that lead to the right direction of where you need to be, when I can confidently say that in due time there will be good days ahead.
The life around me has changed for the better. I still struggle with stuff and still not where I wanna be by any means. But can say for certain that I’m better equipped for the pleasure and pains that lie ahead of me.
This album is a manifestation of the inner work put in and the journey it took to be where I am today these last 3 years. And I hope this music reaches anyone out there who is struggling. Nothing really remains the same, but you can always count on things being better on the horizon every now and then. Better will come."
The album kicks off with a homage to 70s soul music and the empowering "After The Pain", a track on which even the mix sounds vintage (in the coolest way possible). Tracks like "Soulsearcher" vouch for Flamingosis' determination to change and search for that better version of himself that has always been there.
What I appreciate about the record is the feeling of progression and development and the fact that it almost feels like watching a movie. A turning point in this journey is when you reach "Feeling Yourself" featuring legend Marc Rebillet (couldn't think of a better team-up, for real).
The beauty of this album is the example of how a seemingly positive genre and sound could carry a serious and important message and that's where Flamingosis' brilliance truly lies. Every time I listen to Better Will Come I get reminded that brighter days are always ahead. Even in the darkest moments, there’s always a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Mugs, t-shirts,
hoodies, vinyls & more.
