
If you’re looking for some real modern soul music – yes, properly “modern” – by which we mean, contemporary, challenging, envelope pushing soul, can we direct you the debut LP from St Louis born, MIKAHL ANTHONY. The singer describes herself as a “multidisciplinary artist” – comfortable with soul in all its hues and also hip hop. She sees no dichotomy between the genres and fuses both to make her music that more intriguing.
Hear that intrigue on the album, ‘Muse ‘which has just been released by R&S Records. Ms Anthony’s team tell us that the album title has a dual meaning – “using sensual energy and using seclusion everyday”. They add that the music, “creatively interprets the idea of self-therapy, an internal/interpersonal reflection of life experiences that serendipitously connect to Mikahl’s personal romantic relationships”. Mikahl herself explains, “I wanted to use a unique style of songwriting, arrangement and filming with the intention of soundtracking my self-development/maturation process”.
Thus you can guess that ‘Muse’ is a complex affair – intense and deep and in places not an easy listen. It’s the soundscape though that captivates and attracts as each track effortlessly, glide into another making cherry picking a highlight, selecting a ballad or a groove a redundant exercise. All the tracks, you see, are long or longish – the shortest clocks in at just over four minutes while the longest (the soulful ‘Deep Ain’t It’) runs out at nine minutes!
Sound wise, expect hazy, laid back reverb, jazz harmonies, trap rhythms, social commentary sourced from voiceovers/excerpts, neo soul grooves and a lot more – plus , soulful, velvety vocals. Of course, also expect the unexpected.