Beautiful Sensational Sonic Blessing to our Senses , London’s vibrant music scene has just received a fresh injection of creativity with the release of “BLOOM,” a twelve-track album that showcases the incredible synergy between André, the Kid, and w-lar (pronounced “well-ahh”). This collaborative effort is not only a testament to their musical prowess but also an exploration of genuine self-expression.
A Fusion of Talent
The magic of “BLOOM” lies in the fusion of André’s exceptional vocal range and lyrical prowess with w-lar’s impeccable production skills. All twelve tracks on the EP feature André, the Kid and w-lar as lyricists, with w-lar taking the helm as the sole producer. The album was expertly mixed and mastered by AJ Patil, ensuring a polished and immersive sonic experience.
But “BLOOM” isn’t just about music; it’s a complete artistic endeavor. The album’s captivating artwork, which adorns its square format, was hand-drawn and painted by w-lar. This holistic approach to their craft highlights their dedication to every aspect of their work.
A Natural Evolution
The roots of this collaboration can be traced back to w-lar’s self-produced debut EP, “Overthinking.” It was there that André and w-lar first joined forces on the lead single, “in my mind, it replays,” and the closing track, “overthinking (reprise).” Their innate chemistry and the acclaim these tracks received on major radio stations served as the catalyst for their decision to delve deeper into their collaborative potential.
Drawing inspiration from the Alternative Hip-Hop genre and the renowned American music producer Knxwledge, André and w-lar envisioned their dynamic as a “UK NxWorries.” This comparison to the American duo, consisting of Anderson Paak. and Knxwledge, illustrates their ambition to redefine the boundaries of what a vocalist-producer partnership can achieve.
Daring to Be Different
While the majority of “BLOOM” adheres to their vocalist-producer dynamic, the second track, “Dreams,” takes a bold departure. Here, w-lar steps into the spotlight as a vocal performer, adding a new dimension to their collaboration. The album’s cover art speaks volumes about its core essence: “genuine self-expression from the jump.” The lyrics effortlessly shift from empathetic to witty and sarcastic, all while establishing an unapologetic sense of self that’s primed for the world.
A Sonic Journey
Stylistically, “BLOOM” offers a seamless blend of Alternative Hip-Hop, Rap, and Soul, as exemplified by the lead single, “Ain’t Ever.” However, this EP refuses to be pigeonholed into a single genre. It weaves a rich tapestry of musical styles, from chopped jazz and house breaks to bossa nova and weighty tablas. While “BLOOM” retains the sonic experimentation found in “Overthinking,” it elevates their sound into a more blissful and analog realm, ultimately championing the Alternative Hip-Hop aesthetic.
In a world where collaboration can sometimes dilute individual voices, André, the Kid, and w-larhave managed to carve out a space that’s uniquely theirs with “BLOOM.” This EP is not just a musical release; it’s an artistic statement that showcases their boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to authentic self-expression. As London’s rising stars, André and w-lar have truly blossomed in “BLOOM“.
