Album Review: Kelela — “Raven” (2023)

A “submersive” journey, between life and singularity, by one of the most innovative artists of our time

Source: Bandcamp | “Raven” Album Cover

Release: 10–02–2023

Recording: 2020–2022

Record label: Warp Records (legendary electronic music label, responsible for releasing influential artists such as Aphex Twin, Autechre, Boards of Canada and Oneohtrix Point Never)
Genre(s): R&B; Ambient Pop; Breakbeat; 2-step

Throughout the history of contemporary music, artists have always found different ways to explore and express their identity, regardless of the repercussions it might have. By following in the footsteps of peers on the pop and electronic scene such as Beyoncé, SOPHIE and Arca, African-American queer artist Kelela doesn’t hesitate to embrace her latest project Raven, a reflective voyage on past relationships, personal testimonies of introspection, perseverance and emotional maturity:

“So I’m not saying I’m all of that on the album, but I can say that I am a translator of emotions. What I want to do, or what I’m seeking to do, is to translate a feeling into a sonic landscape that makes more space for that feeling, makes you feel safer in that feeling. It gives you a house to feel it in.” — Kelela