Kemi Ade - DRIVE (Dusk Edition) [EP Review]
Following the release of her highly praised EP, 'DRIVE (Dawn Edition)', in October 2020, South London singer/songwriter Kemi Ade is back with ‘DRIVE (Dusk Edition)’, comprised of three new tracks and a short introduction titled ‘WELCOME BACK’, featuring Capital FM’s Kamillah Rose. The R&B artist wanted to slow down the listening experience by splitting the tracks for her ‘DRIVE’ series into two EPs, and this late-night leaning part of the project sees the burgeoning artist further expanding on and relishing in her lush, confident sound which melds elements of synth-pop, jazz, soul and classic R&B.
Kemi notes artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Ne-Yo and Musiq Soulchild as some of her biggest influences, and her appreciation of glistening 90’s and noughties era R&B can be seen clearly throughout her lyrics, which candidly cover personal reflections on moments of empowerment, sensuality and vulnerability via her smooth, undulating vocals which expressively swirl around such topics with ease.
Kemi’s music gets its slick edge from the futuristic elements and expansive sonics that are best exemplified in Dusk Edition’s first and final tracks, ‘2AM’ and ‘LASTONE’. The former opens with a deep, warped synth melody, followed by a smattering of dark digital beats. These heavy sounds are a captivating environment to enjoy Kemi’s ethereal, spacey vocals as we jump straight into her combative internal monologue as she sings, “now you’ve got the time to f*cking say sh*t, now you’ve got the time to f*cking say.” An I’m-done-with-this attitude pours out of everything, from the song’s tense, staccato rhythm to the palpable eye roll in Kemi’s spoken word verse as she sarcastically delivers the line, “well I guess that you have / You’ve changed,” (spoiler: they have not).
Meanwhile, the seductive final tune ‘LASTONE’ is soaked in twilight. Dragging and dreamlike, the sleepy-eyed sounds of a tinkling piano are interlaced with Kemi’s sighing, digitally tweaked vocalisations as she seductively pleads for a partner to express their feelings of desire, singing, “say / say it now / say that you need me / say it proud.” Inviting and hypnotic, it displays the best of what Kemi has to offer, an incredible voice and an ear for mood-altering soundscapes.
The Blue Lab Beats produced 'Promise', on the other hand, sees Kemi embrace a more distinctly 90s electronic & R&B feel as she verbally wrestles with a potential lover, asking them to promise, "we won't fuck up each other." It’s catchy and rhythmic, with Kemi’s smooth yet husky voice reeling us in as she melodically wishes for a strong relationship, her sentiments echoed by soulful backing vocals. Speaking on the track, Kemi summarises:
"This embodies my sound, or me as (a) person. It sounds perfect on a long drive and gives me this warm feeling even though it's so vulnerable. This one's for everyone, and anyone, who gave their word to someone who never deserved a promise."
Kemi’s ‘DRIVE (Dusk Edition)’ is a mesmerising night-time inspired addition to this exciting UK artist’s growing catalogue. With just three songs to slip into, there’s no excuse to miss out. Give the EP a spin today.