Alternative R&B found its emotional side in this striking study of a breakup,from separation to reconciliation to renunciation• More on the best albums of 2017[br]• More on the best culture of 2017The term alternative R&B has always been a weird one. Most straightforwardly it is used to report R&B artists who adopt unconventional vocal stylings, or incorporate other genres into their music. Perhaps without meaning to it has also acquired another sense; of a style that is cool and icy, or of a genre suitable for fashion shows and shorn of anything as icky as emotion.
Kelela has been placed in the bracket of alternative R&B since her debut mixtape,lop 4 Me, was released in 2013. A collaboration with producers from the labels Fade to intellect and London’s Night Slugs, and it was full of synth washes,discordant motifs and deep, deep bass. Kelelas vocals were clipped, or constrained and locked in an ethereally high register. Her lyrics were also minimalist,but they were working with emotional themes, from the propulsion of lust to the fear of rejection.
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Source: guardian.co.uk