L O N G D A Y S: why Leyma's 2019 release will keep you satisfied well into 2020
By Tania C
“Leyma’s L O N G D A Y S is a well-crafted, nostalgic EP; which is an exciting energy to claim for an artist who is just 19 years old.”
In light of his upcoming gig at Omeara on 6th March, we thought we’d delve into Leyma’s L O N G D A Y S. The EP came out on 23rd Oct. Yet we’re still listening to it on repeat-for a host of reasons. It’s got this eclectic feel which leaves you a little stunned afterwards; the cover art works well: it’s a pic of dropped ice-cream. The message seems clear to me: listen and enjoy first; understand and process later.
There’s a versatility to the production of the tracks and a vulnerability that marks Leyma’s maturity as a growing artist, now well aware of his capabilities.
LEYMA PERFORMING LIVE AT CAMDEN ASSEMBLY.
Track Breakdown:
Cuppa is a chill track, perhaps with a touch of stoner vibes, giving it this realism and strong sense of London through a distinctly dreamy lens. Apparently, Marga did his verse in one take: a freestyle on the mic; the track feels too professional to believe the rumour (even though it’s true).
If you were fortunate enough to see Cuppa performed live at Camden Assembly in November, you’d know that it was mad. There was such an incredible buzz on stage and in the kinetic audience; Leyma even crowd surfed. It felt so different to the energy of the calming track; and yet performance and song are one in the same. The East London artist said to Wonderland that Cuppa is “a song of insecurity”; the heaps of energy that you’re faced with on stage really brings out the hotbed of emotions that comes with youth, a time in life that’s quite rightly heaped with insecurity. It’s relatable as hell.
Reminder is a nostalgic look into one’s own self, and also a throwback nod to a retro,1990s feel. But the synths aren’t cheesy; they absolutely work. It’s hip hop for London right now.
Solstice is inherently catchy; find your head nodding along to sick guitar hooks provided by Harry Westcott, blending perfectly with Leyma’s lyrics.
Sunsout (dusk) is cleverly placed at the end of the EP- it leaves you craving more; more emotional introspection; more tracks. It has the similar emotional pull of his earlier track Bumpintheroad; which explores the relatable theme of escapism.
However, I wonder whether four tracks with the same reminiscent tone might be better suited across one stand-alone album or as a host of singles interlaced with more variety. But either way, L O N G D A Y S has us longing for another EP, or better still; a debut album.
Leyma’s appeal lies in his ability to combine the retro with the modern; to be the artist whose tracks provide perfect driving music during the day, and a selection of ravers by night; keep an eye out. Check out Leyma’s latest release A406 and grab a ticket for Leyma’s 6th March gig at Omeara.