Odeal – OVMBR: Hits No Mrs

November you say? Wrong, it’s ‘OVMBR’…duh! As the winter draws in and the year comes to a close, it’s only right that R&B’s rising crooner Odeal blesses our soundwaves with the release of his highly anticipated ‘OVMBR: Hits No Mrs’ EP. Falling in hand with his 2020 drop of ‘OVMBR: Roses’, the artist who’s reputable for seamlessly lacing R&B in with afrobeats, has delivered yet another quality project that’s reminiscent of those hazy summer nights out with your loved ones.

Stumbling across his love for music back in 2013 whilst spending time in Nigeria, in his spare time Odeal would focus his attention by putting pen to paper and writing songs. Growing up on R&B and hip-hop, after spending time in the local studios in Nigeria, he knew that sound wouldn’t work in his surroundings and so he decided to take a step back and study African music. Paving a lane of his own, Odeal has since built a cult-like fan base that have helped accumulate millions of streams worldwide.

Spread over five tracks that place his slick and candid lyricism to the forefront of every listen, ‘OVMBR’ is a textured project enriched with warmth and layers that oozes with a sense of vulnerability, creating a rich and luxurious sound. From the up-beat vibrations of ‘Soul Searching’, to the seductive feel of ‘Dango’; a fluid and hip-moving moment that will undoubtedly push those winter blues aside.

We travel through to the stand-out single – probably the best one – ‘1942′, which is underpinned with a laid-back acoustic production. Slowing things down as he begins to close out the EP, his butter-like tone and sweet melodies take centre stage as his vocals dance through an atmospheric space. Caressed with a woman’s harmonies, Odeal picks up the pace for the last track named, ‘Afraid Of The Dark’, as continues to prove why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

So, what did I think? This EP is what every Odeal fan is longing for, sat somewhere in between those late-night excursions around the city with your love interest, and a hazy summer night out with your friends; his ability to create fluid, feel-good and easy-listening sounds to vibe to hasn’t gone unsurpassed… welcome to ‘OVMBR’.

7/10

Words: Elle Evans

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