With production work from KIND. and lyrics and vocal courtesy of Wyldest, 21 floats on like a daydream, recalling snatched memories from a point in life when you grow and mature. The song depicts the growing self-confidence of being in your early-20s.
KIND. is the moniker of London electronic producer Julian Wharton. Having played with successful dream pop band Dios Mio, Wharton got experience writing music in the group as he played guitar. In 2018, he began to focus on his own sound as KIND., initially producing and engineering for other artists before exploring a solo career that continues to draw on his dream pop roots.
KIND. and Wyldest met when sharing a stage in London’s live music scene, Julian at the time playing with his former band Dios Mio. Together on 21 they have created something contemplative, cinematic and yet also accessible. As it launches into the chorus, 21 conjures a certain sense of self-assured determination and I particularly appreciate how it contrasts with a more reflective sound in other parts of the song.