While much of the music labeled “alternative R&B” seems to meander without much real purpose–finding cool sonic spaces to inhabit, but rarely cohering into satisfying structure.
King avriel’s latest offering “Caricatures” isn’t the end-all cure for the amorphous music blues, but it hints at a strong impulse to construct something that harnesses the airy beauty of the Los Angeles resident’s voice within a framework that emphasizes her intricate, personal lyrics. In composition and sound, “Caricatures” feels like a departure from the Soundcloud-producer vibes of avriel’s previous releases, opting for something a bit more prettily organic–reminiscent of an India.Arie or Lianne La Havas, rather than electronically-inclined artists like Kelela or SZA. It’s an intriguing next step from an emerging voice.
Listen to “Caricatures” below.