The keen reader might remember Leicester’s own musical talent Mutomba from an interview we published last year, celebrating the project’s sonic output as “drenched in lo-fi goo and psychedelic magic” – a statement we stand behind. If ‘The Low’ caught our attention in the past, ‘Cynical’ has grabbed our attention today, proudly bringing Mutomba back on our pages. The record is another striking example of the hazy, laid-back character that flourishes through the UK-based creative’s eclectic inspirations.
You see, despite still sounding dreamy and overall minimalistic, ‘Cynical’ also appears to delve deeper into R&B and neo-soul territories, making for a record that’s elegant and luscious, and a tad nostalgic. That said, the single still sounds contemporary and fresh, in what ultimately becomes a laid-back, vibrant clash of decades and influences. Mutomba’s vocals are always on point, here showcasing their fuzzy, jagged aural livery and their playful delivery.
Recalling the creative process behind ‘Cynical’, Mutomba explains: “This song came to me very fast one night. I found the wonderful instrumental from Fredirie, and in about 30 minutes, I had laid down the first take of the lead vocals. Over the next 4 days, I laid down the backing vocals, got extra vocals from my very talented friend, an artist named Shonatya, and that was it. Done.” Again, a simple formula, but one that works very well and that’s musically effective.
Recommended! Discover ‘Cynical’ on Spotify:
