Nigerian-born East Londoner AZEKEL brings the soulfulness of D’Angelo and the flighty futuristic beats of Frank Ocean to his new single, ‘Sold My Love’.
The vocals are the stand-out element of the track, jumping up and down octaves with ease as Azekel commands his voice to journey through whichever notes he feels fit.
His hazy RnB and grounded with rich and rhythmic punctuating beats. The song feels like a very mini symphony, structured into parts that are instrumental, then vocal and then back to focusing on the instrumental.
His previous singles have found favour with the likes of Pitchfork and Hypetrack. It’s cosy, alternative R’n’B that sounds a little like Drake or Blood Orange and other such goodness. ‘Sold My Love’ is less punchy than last year’s angsty ‘New Romance’, and seems to be the reflective fall out from its predecessor. Soul is the main genre at play here, and Azekel’s sound is certainly informed along classic lines – the artwork for his debut Circa EP paid homage to Otis Redding.
‘Sold My Love’ is taken from the forthcoming Raw, Vol. 1 EP, set for release via Thunderlightning Recordings on July 12.
Words by Katie Rowley
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