B-Side Guys

Mathematics meets music in unexpected ways. Latvian-born artist Cherry Makes Waves transforms a simple numerical constraint – five tracks all at 90 BPM – into a kaleidoscopic exploration of genre and mood. Like a prism splitting white light into rainbow, this EP proves how a single tempo can contain multitudes.

“Spaceman” opens the collection with Cherry’s signature “cinepop” sound, blending dreamy production with attitude-driven vocals. The steady 90 BPM pulse provides an anchor while atmospheric elements create a sensation of weightlessness. It’s a perfect introduction to Cherry’s ability to balance structure with experimentation.

“Phaeton” follows, demonstrating how the same tempo can fuel entirely different emotional landscapes. Here, tribal-infused trip-hop elements create a darker, more hypnotic experience. Cherry’s production skills shine as she layers rhythmic elements that complement rather than compete with the underlying beat.

“BIG LEAGUE” marks the EP’s midpoint with a track that feels both playful and purposeful. The consistent tempo takes on new life through artful rock arrangements, proving that limitations often spark creativity rather than constraining it. Cherry’s vocals here are particularly noteworthy, alternating between ethereal floats and grounded declarations.

“Home (Complete)” ventures into dreamier territory while maintaining the EP’s rhythmic foundation. The production creates a sense of intimacy without sacrificing the cinematic scope that has become Cherry’s trademark. It’s a reminder that home isn’t always about comfort – sometimes it’s about finding your place within carefully defined boundaries.

The EP closes with its title track, “90 Beats Per Minute,” a fitting finale that seems to incorporate elements from all previous tracks while creating something entirely new. Here, Cherry’s background as a visual artist becomes evident in the way she layers sonic textures like paint on canvas.

What sets this EP apart is its commitment to both concept and execution. While many artists might use a single tempo as a mere technical exercise, Cherry Makes Waves transforms it into an exploration of how we experience rhythm and emotion. Her production throughout maintains pristine clarity while allowing for moments of beautiful chaos.

The sequencing deserves special mention, creating a journey that feels both carefully planned and surprisingly spontaneous. Each track builds on what came before while opening new possibilities for what follows. The consistent tempo creates a through-line that helps listeners navigate between genres without losing their way.

Cherry’s experience directing her own music videos seems to inform her production style – each track feels like it contains its own visual world. Elements move in and out of focus like camera shots, creating a truly cinematic listening experience that justifies her “cinepop” designation.

For fans of boundary-pushing electronic music that maintains emotional authenticity, “90 Beats Per Minute” is essential listening. It’s a reminder that creativity often thrives within constraints, that limitation can be liberation in disguise.

As Cherry Makes Waves continues to evolve as an artist, this EP stands as proof of her ability to transform technical concepts into engaging art. Like a metronome marking time in a grand concert hall, these 90 beats per minute provide the foundation for something much larger than their simple numerical value would suggest.