‘Handle with Care’ by Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn
Photographed by Lauren Luxenberg
Handle with Care
An almost remorseful yet unapologetic piece. The album opens with graceful and somber piano chords that set the tone for their mindset throughout the record. They go on to question and reflect upon the struggles in life along with the fear and uncertainty of the future. The weight this track carries is heavy, but we’re reminded to handle with care.
Tears on My Window
A literal cry for help. This track is the hardest to listen to - a piece that reflects on trying times and wanting to give up. ‘Tears on My Window’ is extremely relevant and relatable to listeners everywhere - not knowing your place or your purpose, questioning your reality, and asking questions no one has the answers to.
Constellations
A sudden beam of optimism from the first two tracks. With more upbeat instrumentals, ‘Constellations’ is hopeful and feel good. A reassurance to themselves about the good things coming. The lyrics and instrumentals goes back and forth just like our minds do - continuously reminiscing the past then being hopeful about the future. A surprising feature verse from Kofi that changes the dynamic of the song, fearlessly shares his vulnerabilities in his journey, his battles with addiction and overcoming them.
Save My Soul
With an angelic backdrop that lifts the vocals, ‘Save My Soul’ shares the complications of feeling like things are wrong or will continue to go wrong, but still seeing light at the end of the tunnel and wanting peace and tranquility. Seeing that ‘good exists’ and ‘there is so much to look forward to’ brings confidence and hope to wear the second chorus chant sounds more like a demand rather than a plead.
Emotions Dancing
A conversational and honest melancholy. This track takes us through the trials and tribulations of our minds - falling back then moving forward. Along with Harvey’s loops taking us in a upward and downward spiral, the track drags us into an introspective space.
Numbers on my Brain
A collaboration we didn’t know we needed. Ocean Wisdom joins the offbeat track spelling out the obsession with money, women and streams. A more light-hearted and feel good piece but not neglecting reality and the authenticity of their songwriting.
Dealing With It
A 3:08 minute reminder of how far they’ve come personally and professionally. Starting with a nod to his late cousin, Frankie takes us through his growth as well as the duo’s. Expressing the hopefulness and excitement for the future while dealing with the past to help get through and evolve. “Even on my own two feet I stood” as Frankie explained on Genius “You’re really the only person that can help yourself when it comes down to it, you know. I learned this quite a few times now. You can’t always be reliant on others, as they have their own life to sort out.”
Plants Don’t Grow
A beautiful wrap up to the album. A thank you to the family and friends that have had their own fair share of struggles, but have always been present for Frankie’s. Sending out apologies when missing the mark, acknowledging his intentions and desires in life, and manifesting for a stronger and better future.
‘Handle with Care’ is a complete story and it didn’t miss a step. From being remorseful to crying for help to sharing hopefulness and back and forth, ‘Handle with Care’ is personal, thought provoking, and universal. The album is constantly reminiscing on the good and the ugly of the past along with the good and ugly impacts in the present. As laid-back, authentic, conversational, and calming as their work always is, Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn, didn’t hold back or shy away from taking us deeper into the mind of a dreamer and a realist.
Album cover photographed by Rosie Matheson
