Breaking Shadows
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
It’s pretty surprising that this is New York native Sariyah Idan’s first album, cause the eclectic songstress delivers like a seasoned vet across these poetic, cultured and timeless tunes.
“Shine” starts the listen with Idan’s strong and expressive vocals in a musically bare setting that’s soulful and cultured and eventually builds into a fuller hip-hop approach, and “Darkness” follows with a more folk oriented delivery of grace and beauty as strings complement the affair.
Further along, “Truth To Power” recruits jazz ideas in the subdued playfulness where horns are in attendance, while “Vibe” offers lush melodies in the upbeat trip-hop influenced album highlight.
Near the end, “Passion” is full of acoustic memorableness in the sultry atmosphere, and “Temple” flows with an R&B feel on the groove filled fun. “Revel” ends the listen sparse and gorgeous as the full scope of Idan’s pipes shine on the empowering exit.
Recorded over 3 years in 3 different countries, the 17 tracks here flow seamlessly into one another, as Idan and company traverse across countless genres, textures and tones, though ultimately ending up at one message of strength, solidarity and justice.
Travels well with: Nina Simone- Let It All Out; Meshell Ndegeocello- Comet, Come To Me