Monrad‘s latest EP “Not by Design” dives into the complexities of middle age with unflinching honesty and gritty musical prowess.

“Not By Design” is Monrad‘s newest album. He is a great Belgian singer-songwriter who lives in Kortrijk.

The emotional and mental problems of middle age are at the heart of “Not By Design,” a six-track album that looks at life’s big questions.

Each song on this album captures a moment of reflection and struggle, from thinking about relationships to dealing with the stress of work and finding your own identity.

The songs are honest and complex at the same time. They carry the weight of experience and speak to people who have or are currently facing similar spiritual problems.

Starting with the dark and atmospheric “On Fire” and ending with the vulnerable “Not Yet,” this album grips the listener with its emotional lyrics and atmospheric music.

The singer’s voice makes it clear that they are angry and sad, letting the audience feel what they are feeling.

The driving beat and gravelly lyrics in “On Fire,” which sound like Nick Cave‘s dark and gloomy music, set the mood.

Songs like “Whatever It Takes” and “Caught Up” show how good the artist is at writing words that are personal and thoughtful, and that speak to the common human experience of feeling lost and stressed out by the demands of daily life.

The mix of rock, folk, and indie sounds on the record creates a consistent, engaging listening experience that brings out the themes in the lyrics.

Monrad’s voice sounds desperate as he struggles with the need to get away from everyday life. The production really shines here, with tight music and times when the sound is big.

“Rumble” is about how hard it is to stay in a long-term relationship. The tension between his rough guitar playing and his raw singing is a great representation of the push and pull of a relationship that isn’t working.

“The Game,” the last song on the EP, is a resignation to the boring parts of life. Here, Monrad’s voice gets softer, showing a tiredness that makes sense after the emotional trip of the previous songs.

In “Not by Design,” Monrad does a great job of controlling mood and personality. The production is crisp yet appropriately rough around the edges, complementing the raw subject matter.

“Not by Design” is an interesting musical release that speaks to anyone who has ever doubted their path.

Fans of deep, emotional music should definitely check this record out. It has haunting tunes and words that make you think.