Alewya - Zero (LDN Records) 
Release Date: Out Now
If you haven't jumped on the Alewya train yet then this album is your last call for boarding so you'd better make your choice quick. 'Zero' is the debut 15 track album from the Ethiopian-Egyptian singer-songwriter and based on the singles I was very excited to dive into this one head first. We get going with 'Simian Mountain', a hypnotic and sultry track with rippling notes and a vocal that takes you off to another place altogether. The album really gets going on 'City Of Symbols' which is the first of a few moments where M.I.A. comparisons are entirely justified as the rap, soul and African influences all mingle in a heady brew. Give your ears a few seconds to tune into the melody of 'Runner' because, once you're locked in, it's an absolute treat of infectious beats, vocal gymnastics, and intoxicating melodies.
Recent 'Maktoub' is still a stand-out track with a heavy beats and bass combination leading into 'Interlude 00' which is something of a brief fever dream. We move on to 'Red Clay Luv', a slower and more soulful jam that has hints of Sade and Sugababes to it before Alewya is joined by Dagmawit Ameha for the club ready vibes of 'Night Drive', full of neon lights and dark, sultry moods clashing in the corner of the club. 'Interlude 01' leads us into 'Selah' which starts with a literal growl and a structure that feels like a African folk song telling stories from generations gone by. 'Intermission' is a largely instrumental break in the album but it still uses the voice as an instrument, calling out into the night atop the doped up hip-hop beats.
Alewya's vocal rings out at the start of 'Guttah' before the melody of a buzzing guitar joins in and the beats clatter like peak Portishead. The bubbling bass line of 'Cairo FM' creates probably the most radio friendly moment of the album as a Chic-esque song emerges before 'Lingo' provides a more zen moment with a fluttering flute and chilled beat create the base for a soulful song to build from. Penultimate track 'Eshi' has a zithering and skittish energy to it but, as always, Alewya's voice manages to tame the frantic energy and keep us firmly on course to finding the stomping rhythm later in the song. The album finishes on title track 'Zero' and we are treated to over five minutes of uplifting, inspiring, and empowering music that will get you read for the day, fight, match, or moment you've been waiting for. This is honestly one of the most unique, original, and still musically appealing albums I've heard in a very long time and it's just the beginning for Alewya. Outstanding and astounding.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/alewya11