Mei Semones - Animaru

After doing the rounds on social media while garnering a fierce live reputation, Mei Semones’ debut album is a vibrant exploration of life in the city and the beauty that can be found in everyday existence. The quality of ‘Animaru’ is present from its opening seconds, as ‘Dumb Feeling’ showcases her unique blend of classical jazz and bossa nova, married with fresh and expressive indie-pop. Mei packs the album full of Coltrane-esque guitar and sonically whimsical vocal licks, which perfectly complement its slower, more delicate moments of intricacy. Elsewhere, she reflects on misconstrued emotions on the title track, which stands out immensely thanks to a bustling violin-string-vocal trio at the bridge. ‘Zarigarni’ provides a sweeter moment, reflecting on the joy of siblinghood and the awe she felt catching crayfish as a child. An album that has clearly been constructed with immense care, ‘Animaru’ makes Mei’s supreme efforts crystal clear.