On
Singing to the Moon (2013) and
The Dreaming Room (2016) British artist Laura Mvula dynamically explored genres like (neo)soul, electropop and gospel. On her third album, the synthesizers roar to life. With a hefty dose of electro-funk, Mvula this time takes a path she has wanted to take for a long time: that of the 80s. Artists like
Prince and
Janet Jackson never seem to be far away in this
… regard. In 2017, her then-label severed ties and Mvula struggled with anxiety and uncertainty. Her third album therefore had to be an explosion of joy. The exuberant arrangements are therefore in service of this free-spirited atmosphere. Mvula still sings with great inspiration and urgency, especially about breaking free from her insecurities. She bridges the gap between the unforced danceability and the personal aspect that gives the album an intimate edge. (JvQ)more
