Live Review: Okenyo goes even deeper with 'ISO'

Sydney-based soul artist OKENYO had a huge 2017. With her anthemic single 'Woman's World', she captured a moment of femme power, and she also played a bunch of live shows and garnered international hype. Now she's back, with innovative new single 'ISO', off her forthcoming EP. The stripped-back track touches on her own personal struggles in the midst of a crazy run of success.

With pulsing bass and sharp percussion, Okenyo raps over the minimalist introduction to 'ISO' before showing off her versatile vocals on the thudding chorus. "My throat is all in knots/ I remember what it feel like to feel this much... I talked for hours with a stranger, I paid her," she chants, before reaching the disco-tinged catharsis, "Looking for the light/ Now I found it I think I'll stay/ Shout it out loud".

Like a conversation with herself, on 'ISO' this RnB/soul pro analyses her mental state without doubting or invalidating it. Never one to shy away from the real issues, with this track she makes an important topic accessible and even enjoyable to listen to, thanks to the slick production work and perceptive songwriting.

After playing 'ISO' on her recent support run with Billie Eilish, Okenyo has clearly perfected the balance between danceable and intriguing that she does so well. We'll be waiting with bated breath to see what else she perfects on her forthcoming EP, slated for release in April.

Image: Jedd Cooney

Words by Molly McLaughlin

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