Album Review: “Cooking, Puzzling, Working” by Andi Fins

Cooking, Puzzling, Working

Release Date: February 28, 2025

There’s something effortlessly magnetic about Andi Fins’ newest album, Cooking, Puzzling, Working. From the opening track, “i want i want,” it becomes clear that this Berlin-based singer, songwriter, and pianist is not merely interested in making music but creating a journey. Every note, every pause, and every layered sound serves as a piece of a larger puzzle, one that invites listeners to engage in both reflection and celebration. Through this album, Fins explores the complexities of life, blending them with a sound that feels both timeless and wholly contemporary.

The first track sets the stage with an infectious energy that immediately pulls you in. “i want i want” bursts forth with a mix of electronic textures and catchy melodies while maintaining a sense of vulnerability in its lyrics. Fins’ strong and soothing voice carries the track with an underlying tension that feels like an honest portrayal of desire and yearning. It’s an intriguing start, blending the organic and synthetic in ways that make you want to hit repeat. From the get-go, it’s clear that Fins is experimenting with sound and crafting an experience.

As the album progresses, “Cooking, Puzzling, Working” unfolds into an intricate tapestry of influences. “How Will You Know” is one of the standout tracks, offering a melancholic yet upbeat rhythm that showcases Fins’ ability to navigate between emotional depth and infectious melodies. The lush production, with its intertwining of folk, psychedelia, and pop, feels like a dance between conflicting worlds, the personal and the universal. The track’s upbeat mood and reflective lyrics capture the essence of the album’s exploration of self, uncertainty, and connection.

One of the album’s most striking moments comes with “Love It,” where Fins’ songwriting takes center stage. The track pulses with playful energy and a funky groove, creating a sonic landscape that’s as warm as it is inviting. It’s a love song of sorts, but not in the conventional way – there’s a quirky, almost surreal quality to the lyrics that leaves you feeling like you’re on the cusp of an epiphany. The track’s catchy guitar lines and syncopated rhythms are a testament to Fins’ skill in crafting songs that move both emotionally and physically.

Then there’s “The Moons of Saturn,” a track that feels like a cosmic voyage, complete with swirling synths and expansive soundscapes. Here, Fins fully embraces his penchant for blending the earthly and the celestial. The music, though deeply atmospheric, retains a playful, almost whimsical tone, making it clear that Fins is not only a master of sound but also a storyteller in the purest sense. His lyrics hint at a larger narrative, one that’s not afraid to tackle the mystery and magic of the universe, all while keeping the listener grounded in an unmistakable human experience.

“On A Stick” follows, bringing with it a funky rhythm that recalls artists like Mac DeMarco or The Police, but with Fins’ unique twist. The track’s infectious basslines and staccato piano give it an undeniable groove that you can’t help but move to. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a sense of introspection. Fins’ delivery remains warm and approachable, even as the lyrics grapple with questions of identity and belonging. The playful melody masks the deep themes that run through the song, revealing Fins’ knack for balancing lightheartedness with substance.

The album concludes with “Transition,” an apt ending for an album that’s been an exploration of change and personal growth. The track is more introspective than some of its predecessors, but it’s also hopeful – a fitting closing chapter to the journey that “Cooking, Puzzling, Working” has taken us on. The way Fins weaves together his diverse influences into a cohesive, reflective statement is a testament to his artistry. His ability to move from intimate folk ballads to psychedelic pop epics with ease makes this album truly stand out.

In conclusion, “Cooking, Puzzling, Working” is a triumph for Andi Fins. The album is a fascinating exploration of life’s many facets, from the whimsical to the profound, all wrapped up in a sound that’s fresh and familiar. It’s a bold step forward for Fins as an artist, showcasing his versatility and fearlessness in blending genres, themes, and emotions. Whether you’re here for the infectious beats, the lyrical depth, or the seamless fusion of organic and synthetic textures, this album offers something for everyone. Fins invites us all to just “be and sing” and, in doing so, creates an album that will resonate long after the final track fades.

For more, follow Andi Fins on Spotify and YouTube