XamVolo, Sins of a Soldier Review

by Steph Cosme on December 6, 2018

Pop

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Full Review

XamVolo, Sins of a Soldier Review

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Sam Folorunsho (a.k.a. XamVolo) is a London/Liverpool based singer, songwriter and producer. The creative twenty-four-year-old oversees every element of his music, from graphics to the final mix, XamVolo is there. XamVolo has been hailed as “the future” by long-time fan MistaJam, and credited by DJ, label-owner and broadcaster Gilles Peterson with making a whole genre relevant again. Last year, XamVolo released two critically acclaimed EP’s, Chirality and A Damn Fine Spectacle. Plus two extensively praised singles, “Old Soul” and “Lose Love.” Now XamVolo is releasing his lead single, “Sins of a Soldier” ahead of debut album, All The Sweetness on the Surface, releasing on the 25^th of January 2019. Co-produced by XamVolo alongside heavyweight producers Paul Phamous and A.V (Frank Ocean), “Sins of a Soldier” has a catchy syncopated bass line, warm synth and vocal backgrounds and XamVolo’s impressive, individual vocal style that melds a pop style with overtones of modern contemporary jazz and hip-hop.

Overview

Item Reviewed

Sins of a Soldier

Author

Steph Cosme

December 6, 2018

In Short

Sins of a Soldier (single)

Details

Release Date: November 30, 2018

Label

Decca

Length

2:58 minutes

Excellent productions, a solid song form with multiple feel changes that builds to a satisfying climax.

Review Rating

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Album Rating

9.2

Bottom Line

XamVolo is building a musical style that is organic in sound, rich in history and full of passion. His single “Sins of a Soldier” starts with a syncopated bass line that is both acoustic sounding, yet full and commanding. A vocal pad provides the harmonic movement as XamVolo’s warm vocals enter. His phrasing is a combination of pop and R&B with overtones of jazz. That means his time feel is in the pocket while pushing the music forward with his accents and placement of time. XamVolo’s lyrics are clever, "I'll be holed up till it's over / Got this cold stuff in my holster … " goes the crooned refrain of the chorus, told from the perspective of a nuclear warhead. "But if I hit the button now, only I know how it ends." The song form develops with sections that flow into each other, but still have variations and an overall sense of musical drama. XamVolo’s got soul, and there are some serious vibes coming from this hip young man. That’s the short of it!

9.2

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