Asa: Asa review

Label

Dramatico Entertainment

Release date

18th February 2008

Genre

Folk

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Interesting debut from folky soul singer, or soulful folk singer, or from somewhere between the two

Although there’s a lot of this kind of music - this blend of soul, funk, and folk with electronic sensibilities, with hints of world music - around at the moment, we are fortunately a long way from being mired in it. Asa’s eponymous debut – bringing in elements of reggae and ska, sung in a beautiful and mournful voice with hints of a Yoruba dialect – manages to marry the best elements of the releases that have made the style so popular and adds a slant of originality.

Like Beth Orton before her, Asa marries rich folk songs with messages to crunchy electronic beats and intriguing sound effects – but whereas Orton was grounded in Joni Mitchell, Terry Callier et al, Asa’s reggae influence is far clearer. While sometimes her songwriting grates a little – 360, for example, is simply bland rather than pleasant, and not even Asa’s superbly emotive voice can make it less so – certain tracks, like the melancholy Jailer and the soaring Subway, are excellent. Well worth a listen.

More to try: Matisyahu: Youth Beth Orton: Trailer Park