Rock/Review appetiteapple - Gratitudes
appetiteapple is a fiercely independent solo artist from Seoul, South Korea, who embodies the true spirit of DIY musicianship. Taking complete creative control of their craft, appetiteapple handles every aspect of production—from songwriting and arrangement in Logic Pro to mixing, mastering, and even album artwork design. This uncompromising approach to artistic authenticity means appetiteapple retains 100% creative ownership and royalty rights, a rare achievement in today's collaborative music landscape.
“Gratitudes” by appetiteapple is a thoughtful exploration of thankfulness, transforming a seemingly simple expression into the foundation for a deeply personal musical journey. Tracing the idea of gratitude from childhood lessons toward mature self-expression, the album examines how appreciation can evolve alongside identity, experience, and emotional understanding.
The record draws inspiration from the sensibilities of 90s Britpop, while developing vivid sonic landscapes that give its themes room to breathe. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, appetiteapple uses that influence as a starting point for creating an atmosphere that feels accessible yet emotionally specific. The album’s appeal lies in its ability to connect familiar melodic instincts with imagery that encourages listeners to enter distinct emotional spaces.
“Hello To Strangers” is particularly evocative, conjuring the image of standing on green hills while looking toward distant villages. Its sense of anticipation and strange delight captures the excitement of possible connection, suggesting that gratitude can emerge even from encounters with people who are not yet familiar.
Elsewhere, “Matter Of Decision” takes a more commanding approach, channeling ideas of willpower and personal strength. Its mood adds another dimension to the album, demonstrating that gratitude does not necessarily have to sound passive or gentle. It can also be connected to determination, self-belief, and the strength required to make meaningful choices.
Across “Gratitudes,” appetiteapple turns personal reflection into compelling musical storytelling. The album’s central subject may be simple, but its emotional implications are surprisingly broad, touching on memory, growth, connection, and the development of a more conscious perspective.
Ultimately, “Gratitudes” feels like both a personal statement and an invitation to reflect. By transforming the act of saying “thank you” into an artistic theme, appetiteapple creates an introspective record that remains melodic, vivid, and accessible.
