EP Review: Sekou's 'Out Of Mind'
Unpacking the five-track EP by the 18-year-old vocal powerhouse touted as contemporary pop's saviour.
What were you doing at 18? Actually, don't answer that…
After numerous sold-out gigs and listening parties, ascending UK vocalist Sekou has shared his debut offering, Out Of Mind. To put it simply, the EP is majorly impressive, albeit brief. The 18-year-old Ashby-via-London artist has assembled a project that's a masterclass in both vocal bravado and radio-proof soul-pop.
Thematically, Out Of Mind, is both emotive and explorative. Not only are we finding out who Sekou is—he's letting you know.
Raised on a robust diet of jazz, soul and electro-pop legends—namely Whitney Houston, Neneh Cherry and Nina Simone—it's clear that Sekou strives for the rough-and-ready grit of the greats. With a tone as rich and choral, listeners may think he’s bound to rhythm and blues. But make no mistake, Sekou's work is more than just indie guitar licks and crying out the window on a rainy afternoon: he's out to make a blockbuster movie.
With the help of superstar producers Sounwave [Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé and SZA] and Yakob [J. Cole, Future and 6LACK], as well as Cirkut, Al Shux and DIXSON, Sekou and his beat-bound co-stars are able to both showcase their variety and supplement his tonal versatility.
"Forgiving Myself" is an effectively discordant, ultra-catchy anthem of failed romance. His aged vocals make for some astute, mature impressions. The track showcases a punchier, bubblegum side of Sekou, thanks to roaring drum kicks and a love-tattered bassline.
Conversely, the leading single, "Better Man" holds the EP's most stripped-back and somber moment, where Sekou accommodates the expectations of himself as a baritone singer. But in the emotion and rawness of the track, he smashes these assumptions to bits around him.
The lighter offering "Be With You" has a fitting video accompaniment of Sekou throwing his head back out of a car window in Los Angeles. Synesthetically, the track is exactly what that feels like. Followed by "You And I"—a scatty, ska-tinged, strings-filled, bongo-drummed tropical ballad. On this number, Sekou plots his dreams and aspirations, one of which is to sing for a John Lewis Christmas advert. Doable since this is such a big-dreamer, escapist tune.
Overall, Out Of Mind is subtly aware of the social importance we place on talented young impresarios. Sekou's careful enough to wield this awareness into greatness over gimmick. In an admission that "Too Young" was the hardest song to write—a self-reflective ballad of his dissipating youth—it's apparent upon first listen. It possesses the same writerly wisdom we love in Adele or Sam Smith: 'A heart ain't too young to love / If it's old enough to break'. It may run the risk of being a piano pastiche, but only time will tell.
This project is all about growing pains, both artistically and personally. It’s clear Sekou is still finding his feet musically, but the high-quality beatwork and songwriting help elevate the 18-year-old whiz to controlled chaos status.
If this record's a glimpse into Sekou's potential, it's only up from here. Sekou's easily one of the most promising acts the UK pop machine's had in years, and we're thankful for his stellar introduction.
8.1/10
Take in Out Of Mind below: