From introspective ambient indie to RnB and ethereal afropop – Viveeyan is an artist whose voice and songwriting resound amidst an eclectic, intimate production realm.
The EP Solstice begins with a compelling, acoustic and atmospheric Shapeshifting, capturing affection and interest with spacious sound-design and deeply human reflections, before the mildly high-energy world-music rhythms and harmonies of Living Like Me raise the volume, energy, and embrace in completely unexpected ways.
Superb songwriting and lush vocals, a sound that feels familiar but timeless, unpredictable yet satisfying. Solstice offers an intimate take on the globally popular sounds of afrobeat music, and with stand-out tracks like Not in Not Out, we hear the catchy and evocative blending of depth and creative connection ringing loudly.
This call-and-response moment is a huge earworm, the groove intoxicating, the downpour of vocal details and fragments beautifully impactful. It’s totally unique, but also well-grounded by melody and movement – a tribal rhythm and this breathy, unmistakable voice guiding us with quiet confidence and poetic wonder.
Five songs in full make up Solstice, a project that secures the artistic identity and humanity of Viveeyan as an addictive and interesting modern artist.
Sun Shining is sensational, an upbeat pop hook celebrating a moment of pure exaltation and brightness. It’s so well-placed within this collection, and the intimate riffs and whispers of the verses present a cool contrast alongside the chorus.
Then to finish, another fresh riff, a lo-fi reverb-kissed ambience, RnB vocal charm and a colourful calm that are perfectly suited to this romantic declaration and world-music groove. The song You is enchanting as ever, hypnotic layers of voice and vulnerability largely the life-blood of all things Viveeyan. The vocal nuance here is stunning, and the melody is powerfully addictive – blending something cool and contemplative with an upbeat-mellow fusion of traits; depending on what you need from the music.
An intense personal favourite, but honestly, from an EP that’s consistently impressive – not a bad song nor moment has been woven into the fabric of Solstice, and this proves the ideal title for such an evocative, soulful and illuminating EP.
Viveeyan is a breath of fresh air in artistic expression and modern afropop. Absolytely worth listening to this year.
Download or stream Solstice. Find Viveeyan on Instagram & her Website.
