Brit newcomer Laura Mvula releases her
hotly anticipated debut album, ‘Sing To The Moon’ tomorrow (March 4).
There’s no denying this year has been a
remarkable one for the Birmingham soul singer, Laura Mvula. Aged just 25, Mvula
has made a striking transition from receptionist/supply teacher to gaining
recognition in the BBC Sound of 2013 and having been shortlisted for the BRITs
Critics’ Choice Award.
Signed to RCA, she went on to release her
critically acclaimed debut EP She in November and has since received invitations
to tour as support for the likes of Jessie Ware and Paloma Faith.
Unfortunately however, for Mvula, with so
much anticipation ahead of a debut release, it’s now a case of proving to
critics and fans alike you’re worthy of the hype. A tough feat by all means
when like Laura, you’ve seen your world transform around you in a matter of
months.
That said, the second release ‘Green
Garden’ seemed to put any criticism at bay, showcasing Mvula’s ever powerful
vocals and uplifting beats ahead of the album.
Sing To The Moon opens with the delightfully captivating ‘Like The Morning Dew’,
with its chimes reminiscent of Florence and a vocal richness not dissimilar to
the late Amy Winehouse.
Followed by ‘Make Me Lovely’ the album
starts without complaint. The beautifully crafted songs, a nod to her
classically trained past. The delicate use of strings appear in perfect accord
to Mvula’s vocals and come together in wondrous contrast to the horn, taking
centre stage throughout the enthralling chorus.
Infact, the opening three tracks of the
album are nothing short of excellent, wrapping up with recent single Green
Garden. That’s not to say that from here on out, the album makes for an
underwhelming listen. There are plenty of stand out tracks however, much after
the third song ends, the album makes for a much slower, dreamier listen,
sometimes lacking in momentum, feeling a little too safe and comfortable.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying the
angelic elegance of Mvula throughout, with the album displaying a sincerity
that can’t be faked, her evident trademark jazzy orchestrations and
multi-layered vocals submerging the listener from the off.
Other
highlights include the poignant, ‘Father Father’ paying reference to the loss
of contact between herself and her father following her parents’ separation
some years ago. Echoing her past as a gospel singer, Mvula pines for her father
through emotive lyrics such as, ‘Father Father, why you let me go? Father,
please don’t let me go’.
Building
to the more recognizable sassy climaxes of ‘That’s Alright’, the album picks up
again, with the stomping, brassy exclamations and playful vocal tones, only to
be calmed by the melodious ballad that is ‘She’. It certainly seems an album of
two halves, if anything a little incoherent as we’re only ¾ way through.
The remainder
of the album displays a rather cinematic quality throughout and is a clear
indicator of the highly skilled musician that is Mvula, with many moments of unique greatness. Undoubtedly an album that'll be reeling in nominations in a few months time.
Laura will release her debut album tomorrow and will play a headline show at London's Tabernacle that evening, in support of the album.
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