Kwabs - Pray For Love

“It’s safe to say we made it,” runs the opening line of Kwabena Sarkodee’s second EP. It’s early days, but already this London newcomer’s mercurial talent has been validated with sold out gigs and a blinding reaction to his debut ‘Wrong or Right’ release. ‘Pray For Love’ doesn’t rest on its laurels, however. Progression lines the seams, even if some moments repeat between the two EPs, like a collaboration with SOHN for instance, on the ultra-confident ‘Something Right’.

But there’s a reason for that opening line. Tangible progression is on display from the very off, and Kwabs - never shy in declaring his intentions, exactly - is at the height of his confidence. He’s worked out a formula between twitchy electronics and all-conquering soulful vocals. ‘Something Right’ is the very peak, but his work with Ben Drew aka Plan B on the EP’s title-track is further proof of his genre-meshing triumphs. The stripped down ‘Brother’ gives ultimate focus to Sarkodee’s voice - even if it was swamped by synths and pads, his lead line would stay standing right at the top. Don’t expect the ascent to stop anytime soon.