Ses – Fela

This is a really unusual sounding track but it’s one that works quite well for a number of reasons. Initially what you get is a tribal like beat, a really simple backing track with an energetic and somewhat raw sounding rhythm. On top of this comes the leading rap vocal, which, by all accounts, has something about it that is unlike most of what’s been put out recently. The sound of the artist’s voice, firstly, has a surprisingly gentle and almost whispered nature to it. Furthermore, the way in which the lyrics are presented seems really unique to the performer’s character and vocal style.

The lines are expressed in a way that takes you a second or two to take in, but to follow them is to get a generally easy going vibe from the track with the fairly common and popular theme of new love. The way the lyrics approach the theme, however, is far from common, and this, along with the tribal energy of the music, and later with the notably unpredictable hook section – the melody, the added element of cultural difference – is what makes the track stand out.

It’s a light hearted topic and the energy of the music and the performance suits the idea really well. The sound on the whole has a lot about it that is likely to appeal to listeners. If there is more music to come then the sound has served a great purpose of drawing attention and offering up something undeniably fresh and interesting. As mentioned, the production style is great, really creative and refreshing, and surprisingly quite simplistic. The artist’s voice, too – there’s a huge sense of personality there that is not immediately similar to anybody else’s sound from recent years.

By Rebecca Cullen

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