"Putting their own vocals at the forefront of their music for the first time, Chen becomes a charismatic and haunting pop presence. Sometimes, they play the role of warm R&B vocalist (Listen to Your Heart); at other times, such as on the nervy, hypnotic Whatchureallywant, they're seductive and steely, commanding the dancefloor over production that draws equally from bass music and South African amapiano."
"Ikonika has long been an established presence in underground electronic music. They have been signed to the Hyperdub label for nearly 20 years; muscular, sprightly releases such as 2020's Your Body and 2018's The Library Album have contributed to their reputation as a brash, warm-spirited producer. But Sad has the feel of a debut, centring sounds from northern and southern Africa (Chen is part-Egyptian) on tracks like Sense Seeker and Gone."
"Their lyrics draw on ideas of safety and care, pushing their persona past party starter and into more complex territory. Chen tends to repeat lyrics like mantras: Feel it now, feel your love on Sense Seeker; Is it illogical? Is it impossible? on Take Control. It makes listening to Sad feels a little like reading someone's journal, full of earnest middle-of-the-night thoughts and raw desire. Its mission statement arrives early on: Are you even listening? Listen to your heart."
Sad represents a total reinvention for Ikonika, the producer, songwriter and singer Sara Chen. Chen places their vocals at the forefront, becoming a charismatic, haunting pop presence that ranges from warm R&B to seductive, steely dancefloor calls. Production blends bass music with South African amapiano and centers northern and southern African sounds on tracks like Sense Seeker and Gone. Longstanding ties to Hyperdub and prior muscular, sprightly releases inform a brash, warm-spirited production style that remains. Lyrics focus on safety, care, and earnest desire, often repeated like mantras to create a journal-like intimacy.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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