With considerably minimal instrumentation, the opening number to Wayi‘s EP Love In Progress called ‘Insecure’ sets the tone and allows this talented young woman’s voice to rightly take centre stage. It’s not the strongest of songs by any means, but with a simple rhythm and her vocal, it’s certainly worthy of a few repeat listens.
The highlight of the collection is track 3 ‘Temporary’. There’s something about the way in which she sings about jealousy and finally coming to learn and accept that a relationship that was once so important is over, that hits you (or at least it did me) like a hammer from the first few lines. The lyrics are raw and painstakingly honest in places, as if Wayi is unwilling to hold anything back; she’s laying everything out for everyone to hear.
When it comes to the closer, track 5 called ‘Blame’, as with ‘Insecure’, sees Wayi’s vocal ability be once put on display for all to be seriously impressed by as she’s accompanied by little more than a simple toe-tapping rhythm. A real demonstration of just how good this woman is, and perhaps a testament and show of how much she’s inspired by the likes of Alicia Keys, this will no doubt be an absolute wonder to see and hear live.
The whole EP is emotive, and love is the key theme – in all its glory and all its darkness. It plays like a diary of sorts, where the listener can lose themselves in Wayi’s many thoughts which scores of those who check this EP out are sure to identify with.
With a voice that hits you straight in the heart and the head, and a tone reminiscent of many soul artists from the past, Wayi somehow manages to make a more old-school style and sound contemporary, and has rightly earned herself support and praise from the likes of Marie Claire and BBC 1Xtra in the process. As for the future, if this EP is anything to go by, she’s got a strong and bright one ahead for sure.
Love In Progress is available now via Weird !s Good.
