#sigsoundsradio

Hello again,

Today I will be discussing Mereba’s new album, The Jungle Is The Only Out. Mereba is an artist I am not very hip to yet. This album was an introduction for me. One I am excited to tell you about. 

The album starts with an a cappella intro that is very slow in tempo. Spoken word over mouth made production, with ambient background vocals that give it an almost spooky vibe. 

It then moves into a refreshingly folky track named Kinfolk, that took me back. Growing up I was exposed to bunch of folk music, attending Winnnipeg Folk Festival annually, and listening to folk music at home and in the car regularly. Interesting enough Mereba is quoted in L’Officiel saying Tracy Chapman was one of her favorite artists, which happens to be something she has in common with my dad. Kinfolk is an infections track, where in the chorus, she reminisces about hanging with kin, blowing blunts and finding their “hidden treasures”. Again her background vocals playing a vital role in setting the tone, resting behind the very prominent guitar, as the focal point of the production. 

As I continue to listen it becomes clear how great Mereba is at utilizing her voice as an instrument, in a way that I can only envy. On this project she shows her versatility as a vocalist. She moves effortlessly between an R&B, Pop, Folk, and Soul sounds, as well as even incorporating spoken word. A truly talented voice.

Mereba received features from fellow R&B artist 6BLACK and rapper JID. Quality contributions from both artists only shine a brighter light on the entirety of the project. Love seaming to be the recurring theme of the project, and overall making for a heartfelt album that is easy to resonate with. 

The track Planet U, which is also accompanied by a music video, she sings about her lover accompanied by some fast pace bars that caught me a little off guard. An impressive composition that again stars a cool guitar riff and bright piano keys. The tracks My One, and Highway 10, also speak about relationships and all those great vulnerable emotions we all love. 

All in all, not knowing what to expect, this was a wonderful album. Definitely lived up to the hype. You will not be disappointed. Mereba gained a fan in me and we will be watching more from this talented artist. 

Be smooth my friends, 

Love,

Alec Ness is a talented producer based in the Twin cities. Lemme start by saying this is an excellent and unique body of work, and is most definitely worth the listen. Each track brings its own powerful energy that courses through you, and incites emotion. Each sound intentional and each transition seamless. It reminds me of controlled chaos. There are many abrasive noises present in the album, that when listened to separately, may agitate you, but when listened to in these compositions, sound amazing. Fitting together like a puzzle piece. Not to say it is rough around the edges at all, it is very smooth and polished. Has a very dreamlike ambiance all the way through. Well balanced with softer tones, reverb, and more rigid sounds. When you get to the song, Temporary Awareness of Passing, it really starts to feel like you have been taken on a journey, a page in the chapter is turning, and you almost forget what you were listening to until it abruptly ends. Followed by the song, Violated Time, which starts slow but then bursts into an experience that virtually transports you to a dance floor. After which is followed by the track, Barrier Theme, which creeps up your chest like an acid come up. You anticipate something epic approaching as the vibrations literally feel as if they are lifting you up. Right as you are about to get to the climax, it fades off. I Truly love the unpredictability of this album. It captivates you and pulls you along, you have no choice but to listen to the whole piece. It is almost unsatisfying otherwise. Interactive until the end. Listening to the song Terrace, which he released as a single off of the album, I felt as if I were inside of the game Need For Speed (the best racing game ever made, dont @ me). At moments I felt like I could hear some similarities to Ratatat, back in the Kid Cudi days, but maybe I was just high. But overall super cool, loved listening, and we will definitely be looking out for more work by Alec Ness.

LINK TO STREAM ALL PLATFORMS:  alecness.lnk.to/taop

Love,

Loud Zay