Favela is a 22 year old Leeds-based producer and released his EP Future Visions on Soundcloud about two months ago. With no prior listening to his music, one might infer, from the names, an electronic-based, ambient, futuristic sound or at the very least, something with a bit of sweet ‘flava’ (worst pun ever I know don’t judge me).
The title track, ‘Future Visions’, has a weird and disjointed intro, which is briefly ambiguous until the beats enter, adding that desired extra dimension that completes the atmospheric effect and transforms the simple chord progression into a beautiful soundscape. The vocals are very clear and beautiful, while still transmuting clarity in the lyrics. The vocalisations of the pre-chorus are ethereal and it soon becomes clear that the lyrics pertain more to a soppy love song than any grand inter-dimensional incantation, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The delightfully short melodic ideas make the song danceable without trying too hard to be a dance tune; the seemingly random sounds blend seamlessly into one another as each part flows effortlessly into the next. The instrumental sounds are creative and work incredibly well and the mixing and production coincide with subtlety to produce addictive, creamy textures throughout that make the sudden silence at the end almost heartbreaking.
The second song, ‘Gong’ is very different to the previous. The intro contains rolled stings and is introduced with a repeated pulsating rhythmic beat. The structure, however, remains simplistic. This song is more akin to a down-tempo indie song than the world of psychedelia that was the title track, due to a straighter feel in the rhythm. Again, the chilling syllabic vocalisations are present to contest the beautiful melodic onset and lyrics. The song focuses on contrast as the young songbird sings “there may not be a clanging gong or a crashing cymbal”, insinuating the sarcasm of the title as the song is devoid of gongs – it is actually very gentle.
The final song, Blinker, is a little more static, though equally atmospheric and amazingy clever in the use of percussion and sparse, eerie backing vocals. The singer shines throughout and is very direct in his delivery. In fact, while I was listening, I wouldn’t have been surprised if I opened my eyes and he was right next to me. (Actually, I probably would, but you get the idea). The syncopated rhythm of the hook, coupled with the falling pattern has an incredible sound and qualifies it as possibly the greatest hook of 2015 (no exaggeration there).
All in all, I think this EP is quite brilliant and a very successful project. It is gentle, beautiful, easy to listen to without being boring, creative and ambitious. I will definitely be listening to more of Favela’s work and genuinely encourage all to do so too.
Words by Samm Anga