Joya Mooi - Blossom Carefully [EP Review]
Photography by Casper Kofi
Infused with luscious vocals, thoughtful lyricism and fizzing beats, Amsterdam artist Joya Mooi’s latest project, ‘Blossom Carefully’, is a mellow and mesmeric listen that creates space for her reflections through a lens of soulful R&B.
Beginning with title track ‘Blossom Carefully’ - a warped, sultry slow-jam that sits on sizzling beats - the project introduces us to Joya’s visceral, enigmatic lyricism, which hint at Joya’s personal experiences and delve to great emotional depths while maintaining an air of mystery. ‘Bitter Parts’ is an energetic song peppered with a sunny tinkling instrumental and ethereal synths which sees Joya reflecting on her imperfection.
Moving into ‘Hold You Tight’ Joya’s soft, wistful vocals are placed against a heavy skittering rhythm as she contemplates her innermost thoughts, while new track – the hopeful exercise in gratitude, ‘More Than Ever’ - is inspired by Afrofuturism. We are given the bold and sunny ‘Good Girl’ to shake things up a little. The popular single from the summer stands as Joya’s empowering ode to disobedience against patriarchal structures, with a border-breaking sound to mirror its rebellious message. Finally the project ends in ‘Hour Left’ a piano-led R&B tune where Joya meditates on the violence and injustice of the world.
According to Joya Mooi, the phrase ‘Blossom Carefully’ refers to her growing to love and appreciate her lineage (her family are from The Netherlands and South Africa), growing on her own terms, enduring disenchantment and pursuing hope. In her latest EP’s smooth 6 tracks, Joya digs deep and explores these contemplative themes, sheltering deep introspections under rhythmic, buoyant sonics. While her languorous voice leads proceedings, coasting amidst hazy, electronic production (courtesy of producers Sim Fane, Blazehoven and SIROJ), the EP’s jazz-influenced instrumentals and warm melodies create a soothing, lo-fi ambience that is pleasantly at odds with its trappy beats and chunky basslines. The result is an unerringly cool slice of neo-soul, that beautifully bridges the gap between contemporary hip-hop and old-school jazz.
Reflecting on her new album, Joya says, "Normally, when I create, I tend to reflect on the past, but for my EP I wanted to connect to go somewhere I haven’t been. Drawing inspiration from spiritual, social and political themes and personal stories, but mostly my own imagination in order to envision my wishes for the future. On ‘Blossom Carefully’ I feel like I have constructed a reality where I can be free.”
Enjoy ‘Blossom Carefully’ by Joya Mooi here: