Maaley – Real One (Prod. AintUsta) “showcases an artist with skill, with integrity”

This feels like a big or classic track after just a single listen. The opening few moments of musical ambiance create a dreamlike and reflective mood, within which this concept of realness and honesty comes through in an emotional and even slightly contrasting manner, which works. Whatever the first few moments imply about the rest of the track though, what emerges across the space of just under four and a half minutes, is a cleverly and professionally structured, well crafted piece of music and lyricism – always interesting, always in keeping with that underlying story-line and sense of character, and it kind of gets better and better the further along you go.

Maaley’s sense of rhythm and flow works beautifully in this setting, alternating flawlessly between those smooth, melodic moments, and those in which the sound has more of a rap feel to it. On occasion there is gentleness to the lyrical performance, at other times there’s an intense pace – the sort that leaves you knowing there was an unquestionable connection to the beat and movement of the music there, but that also leaves you wanting to click back a little and make sure you caught every line.

There are so many different moments in this track, vocally rhythmic variation has lead to something structurally unique and consistently appealing. The musicality behind the vocal performance reflects this creativity, and both elements are perfectly professional at every step of the way. It’s a great sound and really showcases an artist with skill, with integrity in terms of his own character and ideals, and with the knowledge and passion required to carry out a career in crafting authentic music that connects in a memorable way with its audience.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing