Xzela

Employing a rotating cast of producers, Xzela’s five-song ep Slow Burn showcases the singer/songwriter’s ability to create deeply immersive music in a variety of genres. “Dream Pop” is an insufficient catch-all term, and Xzela keeps it on its toes. Moving deftly between R&B, folk, electro and indie-pop, all the while incorporating touchstones from country and classic alternative, the overall effect is a cohesive portrait of a singer in total command of their vision.

Xzela’s defining feature isn’t just a stellar voice, it’s the subtle instincts with which they employ it. The rap-singing of “Poison” shows off great flow, while the drawn-out notes in “Stay” evoke a languid yearning, magnified by fluidly switching into their upper register. “Call” shows off clever melodic nuances over a rudimentary progression, while the clever progressions of “All is Fair” allow the vocals to roam into unexplored corners of the song. Throughout, Xzela’s voice finds a spooky comfort in harmonies, which, when accompanied by woodsy instrumentation can a conjure a less-modulated Bon Iver. Impressive that in just five songs, Xzela’s sound alludes to indie folk innovators, R&B hitmakers, introspective alternative crooners, and dream-pop staples – sometimes all in the same song.

Slow Burn showcases Xzela’s ability to ensnare listeners with melody and harmony, and then carry them along from one genre to another without ever letting their feet touch the ground. It’s a fluid progression through disparate sonic environments, and what makes it impressive is how easily Xzela carries us along.