Kelela has carefully crafted a fluctuating track-list of washing synths, powerful drums and floating vocal performances.

Raven begins with luscious synths, drowning the listener in the watery auditory world that Kelele has constructed. Tracks flow together like a never-ending stream and endings are indistinguishable from beginnings as the songs morph together into an hour-long journey.

Raven is the second studio album from Kelela Mizanekristos. Released on Warp records after a 5 year hiatus, the tracklist weaves between ambient, dance and downtempo jazz, providing the listener with an auditory experience that diffuses into the listening environment whilst simultaneously refusing to enter into background ambience. Raven includes collaborators such as Asmara from Fade to Mind’s NGUZUNGUZU, Philly DJ and producer LSDXOXO, German ambient duo OCA, Toronto DJ BAMBII and their unique marks on the production can be subtly heard in the shifting songs. All 15 songs are written and co-produced by Kelela with additional producers adding their spin to Kelela’s honed formula.

In 'Washed Away' reverb laden virtuosic vocals fly above the droning modulated pads until a ripple of bass propels itself through the murky depths. These elements melt away into the start of ‘Happy Ending’ where vocal delay interweaves with jungle inspired drum programming that controls the song structure. Kelela’s self-harmonising vocals shine and sparkle throughout the album, held weightless above the instrumentation. Sharp lyrical breaks slide across the stereo field as Kelela’s voice liquefies into the reverberating depths. 

Tracks like 'Enough for Love' move into more pop-oriented harmonious territories. With punchy percussion, catchy lyrics and melodic synthesisers. Ending with samples of waves and kelela's breathing, the track quickly drifts into 'Far Away' as if awoken on the shore of this washing soundscape. Sharp and mellow electric piano permeates into ‘Let Go’ modulating just above the warm muted bass. Sparse instrumentation and dreamy production always leave space for Kelela to perform soaring vocal melodies, alternating rhythm, harmony and timbre in their voice to provide a performance that feels effortlessly improvised and meticulously practised.

Kelela has carefully crafted a fluctuating track-list of washing synths, powerful drums and floating vocal performances. Ambient elements tie the tracks together, allowing field recordings and reverb-laden oscillations to drone on after songs have fallen away. Kelela’s melting voice gently accompanies the listener as they slowly sink into the inky watery depth of Raven.