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| <b>Yuna</b>- Nocturnal | GUMBALL Posted: 10 Nov 2013 05:00 PM PST
When the name Yuna first started making its rounds, it took me less than a minute to disregard her music. Armed with a preconceived notion about local music and Malaysian artists, I was hasty with my judgement and scepticism. How foolish was I. Please allow this attempt at penance. Nocturnal is easily one of the most distinctive records to come from a Malaysian artist. Yes, we definitely have talented, internationally recognised musicians, but with Nocturnal, Yuna has come up with something that is just so appealing and well executed in so many aspects. It is complex and packed with indie goodness – dreamy vocals, electronic undertones, brooding ("Falling") and even remotely folkish vibes ("Rescue"), yet poppy and likeable enough to appeal to everyone – from young and confused teenage girls (surely) to this 25-year old music writer wannabe. That probably has something to do with the record's production that includes the likes of Chad Hugo, one half of The Neptunes (other half being Pharrell Williams), and Robin Hannibal, who has worked with people like Kendrick Lamar and Aloe Blacc. Nocturnal is most definitely a world-class pop record, but I particularly like it because it remains decidedly Malaysian. It's not just the hint of Malaysian instruments on some of the tracks, but also Yuna's image as a whole, which has become a symbol of success, perseverance, moderation, virtue and Malaysian culture. Ok, I may be romanticising a little here but I really don't care. Opener "Falling" (produced by Robin Hannibal) is dark, dreamy and brooding with plenty of Yuna's haunting falsetto and an instrument that sounds like the gamelan. "Rescue" is a poppy, radio-friendly track that is infectiously feel-good, somehow bringing Taylor Swift to mind. Only thing is, I don't know a single Taylor Swift track that can come close to the depth of "Rescue". Escape oozes The Weeknd-esque vibes, with its dark trip-hop sound anchored by Yuna's soothing vocals. "Mountains" is tragically lovely, particularly its intro guitar hook that this time, brings The XX to mind. As Nocturnal reminds me of all these artists which I really like (except Taylor Swift), I can't help but realise that the record's most appealing aspect is its sound, which isn't a bad thing at all. But if there was one thing that would set it apart as truly great, it would be Yuna's lyricism. Yuna appears to be spinning lovely melodies around lyrics that are somewhat simple and lacking poetry, as honest as her lyrics may be. Nonetheless, it doesn't make me any less proud that Malaysian music is finally making its international break, and Yuna is truly a befitting artist to be doing so. And I really believe that this is only the beginning. |
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