Kyiv Soul
Luluworld, 2024
8/10
The Canadian artist Nastasia Y explores both love and war with these 9 cultured tracks that take inspiration from her formative years in the Ukraine, where there’s plenty of help along the way.
“Salgir River” starts the listen with KC Roberts’ searing guitar before a calmer setting enters with Y’s intimate voice, and “Evening Star” follows with Dan Minchom’s cozy bass and Anh Phung’s dreamy flute that suit the eloquent climate of beauty.
“Love Until Dawn” arrives later on, and benefits much from Marito Marques’s agile drums which complement Y’s moody bass synth and striking voice, while “Gusta Mi Magla” is a busier moment of rich keys thanks to Y and the unpredictable rhythm section that emits much richness.
“Stolen Green” and “Bez Vas” exit the listen. The former is a bit mysterious, where Y’s distinct pipes guide Rob Christian’s atmospheric synth, and the latter carries an atypical dreaminess that recruits grooves and even funk flavor.
A truly worldly outing, Y is versed in Slavic folk songs and jazz, and there’s plenty of that as well as pop, rock, soul, R&B and funk to be enjoyed across these diverse selections.
Travels well with: Dánae Olano Trio- Children’s Corner; Ahmed Moneka- Kanzafula