Moses Sumney – ‘Aromanticism’
While the first 2 albums on our list innovate on traditional R&B and Soul music sounds (and sounds associated with the genre), Moses Sumney’s Aromanticism appears to look more to melancholy electronica for its sonic influences. Think the sort of sound you associate with James Blake. Still, Aromanticism offers a fresh perspective on electro-Soul, borrowing elements of neo-Soul, Contemporary Soul, Jazz and even Hip Hop, but melding these sounds into the morose underbelly of the album.
Aromanticism is the inability or unwillingness to love or feel romantic feelings for others. Sumney explores this theme consistently throughout the album, departing markedly from the warmer themes of love and heartbreak often explored in Soul music. On Quarrel, he rejects the label of being a lover. On Lonely World, he is content with solitude (“And the void speaks to you /
In ways nobody speaks to you”). Aromanticism rejects notions of (romantic) love the world socialises us into.
All of this is wrapped up in a sound that is cosmic and out of this world. Sumney matches the other-worldly theme, with the sound, creating a truly outstanding listening experience. The safety warning would be that Aromanticism features some very abstract moments. It is sparse on conventional melodies and song structures, opting for unpredictable transitions and refrains. But for the braver, more broad-minded listener, it may well be the album of the year. Plus, it features some stunning vocal flexing and acrobatics from Mr Sumney that is not to be missed.
Start With: Quarrel, Lonely World, Make Out In My Car
Kelela – ‘Take Me Apart’
Kelela’s Take Me Apart offers a form of electro-Soul that is perhaps on the other end of the spectrum. On Take Me Apart, Kelela brings together the best of electronic music and ’90s RnB. On the more up-tempo tracks like Blue Light and Take Me Apart, there is a flourish of pop, creating the kind of electro-Soul that you could hear on the dance floors of EDM clubs. In its tender moments like on Turn to Dust and Better, Kelela uses electronic synths, effects and production to underscore rich ’90’s-reminiscent harmonies. Take Me Apart has an uncanny ability to pay homage to the sounds of Soul music whilst simultaneously sounding futuristic and at times, inter-galactic.
Subject matter-wise, Kelela opts for the softer topic of dealing with a break-up and discovering new love. For those familiar with Kelela’s social media, the dearth of political content may be surprising as she’s often outspoken, radical even. But as she’s explained in interviews, she has come to a place of self-love and acceptance in spite of Trump-America and is able to find a form of escapism in music. Read her hilarious, albeit somewhat awkward Noisey interview for a sense of the passionate woman Kelela is.
While Take Me Apart may initially come across as somewhat off-kilter for the conventional music fan, it is packed with pop-friendly bangers that do not compromise artistic integrity. But it is on the down-tempo moments that it is most strikingly impactful.
Start With: Blue Light, Take Me Apart, LMK, Turn to Dust
Jordan Rakei – ‘Wallflower’
Last year, we listed Jordan Rakei’s Cloak as one of 2016’s most underrated albums and the singer has returned with his sophomore album, Wallflower. Wallflower is an even bolder collection of sublime modern jazz cuts.
From the opener, Eye to Eye , a 2-part jazzy earworm where Rakei showcases one of the album’s best tools – a catchy refrain with electronic-tinged harmonies. To the standout single, Sorceress, Rakei proves he has carved his own unique lane of jazz-inspired electro-infused Soul music. The Brisbane-born Londoner, has been creating exceptionally good music since his move to the English shores, taking inspiration from fresh cultural scenery and new producer collaborators. Opting for unconventional arrangements and unpredictable progressions, Rakei successfully creates a celestial aural journey for listeners.
Start With: Sorceress, Eye to Eye, Nerve, Goodbyes
