The word ‘artist’ is thrown around too haphazardly these days. However, it seems to go hand in hand with the genre encompassing XamVolo, who has brought his latest electronic-soul track, ‘Runner’s High’, to the table. The strict, straight rhythms are reminiscent of AWOLNATION’s thumping track ‘Sail’, although Xam’s liquid vocals smothered over the top bring this track back down to his jazzy roots. The song oozes and flows, and shrinks and swells, all with one eye on the climatic ending that leaves the listener begging for more.
Still only 22, XamVolo wrote, produced and arranged his upcoming Chirality EP. If that doesn’t highlight maturity beyond his years, then maybe some of his wise words will: “Ultimately, I want to create a community sharing the mindset I express through my music. I hope I’m able to do so. First, I’ve got to set the scene and show people what I’m all about.” What he is creating is not just a collection of music, but an entire artistic project.
Whilst waiting for the remainder of the EP may be painful, hearing that he’s working with Frank Ocean’s producers – Paul Phamous and Malay – for his album, sounds like a match made in heaven. Frank’s fans will be well aware of the perils of being left ‘begging for more’, but XamVolo’s album and EP will be worth the wait.
Words by Tom Spencer.