Sampha - Lahai

Young

Sampha's intoxicating blend of neo-soul and exquisite art pop finds itself manifested through the 40-minute runtime of Lahai - a tour de force of graceful etiquette; a breeze-y warmth emanates. 

Sampha saunters forward on his sophomore studio album; each step met with as much love as the last. A solitary soul lays itself out for some well-needed and heartfelt introspection. The singles released beforehand - Spirit 2.0 and Only - were a solid indication of the whereabouts of Lahai's quality and overall vibe; in the ballpark of tender with a twinkle in its eye. Lahai is home to worlds of expertly designed sound, skillfully sculpted by delicate hands, a soft and caressing touch. Windswept although firm, stern. Seductively cool. The attention to detail staggering. Hazily layered, utterly dream-y, a space to slowly seep into. 

The often times jittery drums add a major sense of motion to the laid back feel which emanates from Lahai. They turn up and these feet start to free themselves. Loosening on a tight groove, Lahai switches from cool breeze to warm blankets. Icy hi-hats tinker and slice through the air. Sampha's voice - layer upon layer of it - naturally builds around itself. The vocal performance evokes a comforting quality - snug and soothing. It makes you want to hug yourself. Love of the selfish, although ultimately necessary, kind. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Pick yourself every time. Back the person you could become. Invest your time in elevating your existence - everything else will simultaneously do the same. If not, live and let live. Lifted by love, lifted from above; tuned in to another feel; beamed elegantly in from another place. 

Spirit 'gon catch you.