PO GRIFF TAKES US ON A TRIP WITH ‘I COLLECT SPACE, NOT OBJECTS’
Po Griff, a music artist from West Wales, has released a new album, I Collect Space, Not Objects. Po has a degree in Human Geography and planning that brings a lot of wisdom to his verses. His varied interests, ranging from psychology, philosophy and history as well as a deep love for stand-up comedy, lead to chuckle-worthy ad libs and insightful verses. He openly expresses how important bringing long-time friend and producer Minas was to the album coming together in a way that made them both proud.
Following the EP Brown Dragon in March of this year, this new album expands on Po's ability to be genuine with his audience. I Collect Space Not Objects as a title gives perfect insight into Po's mindset, denouncing material things in the face of being present. Experiencing all the fragile moments life has to offer, even if they're difficult. The experience he’s crafted throughout the new release pulls from his personal life, old school hip-hop, r&b, and a little bit of psychedelic. An overall intimate sensation brought through trials and tribulations. It creates a relatable yet jarring sensation with every song.
The record crackle and classical music sample create a sense of nostalgia in “Home”. The deep bass and warping leaves it all feeling dreamlike. A plea for peace in the chaos, as it feels like the universe gives nothing but lemons. The topics are dark- near drug overdoses, your home being changed before your eyes, and technology creating this endless sense of a grind. Still, there is light. A euphoria in the day-to-day and self-discovery.
“Cream”, a clear reference to the iconic Wu-Tang song, takes a lens to mental health. Varying paths of not just Po, but the people around him. Those who we lose to it, those who manage to overcome, how drugs fall into the equation as both a help and a hindrance. The beat is twinkling and light, which offers an interesting contrast. It comes across as the world passing you by with background laughter and conversation.
The energy slows down in “SIM”, a criticism of society and how plugged-in society is. A short track that toes the line of conspiracy. Struggling to take in the world around as it changes, yet also feeling so disconnected that reality may as well be a simulation.
The sample of “I Wish I Knew” by Chet Baker makes “Porto” feel romantic. Lyrics that are soaked in wine that again highlight the impact of a substance-drenched life. It’s full of lyrics criticizing the upper echelon and the knowledge that they don’t care for the people. Po also makes a range of references about greatness and loneliness through celebrity culture. Ending on the most important advice of all: “The time’s now, not later”
“Dali” continues that slow pace. More grounded lyrics denouncing being fake, being the bummer at the party, misogyny, colonialism, and being flashy for a false audience. The guest bars by Noah Bouchard delve deep into breaking the negative cycles. Overall, this track is directed to the boys, encouraging them to look into their circles and really see the people they surround themselves with. To become better and aim higher. To avoid and unlearn the toxicity that surrounds them. The track feels kind in its messaging while confronting the way the world hardens.
“De Ja Vu” has this dreamy and warped beat that loops behind storyteller lyrics. The energy comes back to the album here. It feels like someone is going over their day-to-day. The constant moves being made between past, present, and future blending into one.
“House Swap” is a story and a memory. An honest window into Po’s life experience. A mother who worked hard, an arrest, a childhood of violence and bullying. It’s moments like these that become harsh spotlights in your mind. Those seconds that change everything. There isn’t any glamor to this song, and that may be what makes it so beautiful.
My personal favorite of the album is “Mushrooms Grow Us” a slightly trippy piece full of existentialism. The song questions our purpose in the cycle of nature. It’s a little all over the place in the way most people are all over the place. Getting older but never feeling like an actual “grown up”. It’s a sweet song when you listen to how Po says to reach higher. Despite all the darkness in this album, the struggle, Po’s optimism shines so brightly I came to love it.
In “Gaslighter,” Po addresses the way someone will weaponize their own struggle against another person. Going through all the things he’s witnessed through life in other people. His line “Act so woke but think so narrow, that rainbow coat is really bad camo” gives voice to how the glaring things about ourselves can't really be disguised. Especially in people who think being socially aware gives them carte blanche to be terrible in other ways.
“The Whim of the Wind” makes for a satisfying conclusion to the album. It has those choral and soulful notes in the instrumental. There’s nostalgia that references the memories in all the other songs. In the end a choice to be better and look toward the future is being made, and to have that as the finale gives hope to the listeners. To have calls from friends act as the final send-off is heartwarming too.
Po Griff created an experience through this work. The consistent use of real-life experiences breaks from the over-stylized and glamourized existence that is all the rage lately. This album isn't about flashy cars or material nonsense; it’s about life. It’s the struggle to stay present and the desire to want better. You can tell that Po truly put his heart into this, alongside the help of his friends. The only thing this album asks for is your time, your mental space, and I think it’s worth every second.