Laura Mvula – Under a Pink Moon
With expectations high for her first performance in over three years, Laura Mvula guided her audience through what felt like a series of high-quality music videos. Under a Pink Moon – the British artist’s recent live-stream presentation – is an ethereal short film meandering comfortably through genres, emotions and energy states. Recently signed to Atlantic Records and with a new album in the works, the contemporary soul singer is perfectly placed for a relaunch that can only be strengthened by the enduring impact of her immaculate back catalogue.
Featuring a supporting vocal by Simon Neil (of Biffy Clyro) and framed by immaculate dancers Karen Bengo and Zakiya Wellington, the release channels all of the calm, serenity and repressed vitality of a full moon night: equal parts contemplative, determined, gentle and radiant. Mvula’s command of the space and music reflects an artist at the top of their game. To spend even a few minutes in the world she has created provides an avenue of escapism and nourishing creativity that spectators are lucky to share. Although this is just a glimpse of the project to come, Under a Pink Moon hints at the multiplicity of voices in which the past Brit Award nominee can express herself, the range of stories and thoughts listeners might learn from and an unwavering stage presence that draws on a seemingly limitless source of energy.
Vocally and lyrically inspired, with a style that draws on a number of familiar sounds made brand new, Mulva’s music could evoke Jill Scott or Erykah Badu – but really, her unique approach of writing and performance marks her as an artist to be referenced in her own right. One should view her rendition of the Fugees’ classic Ready or Not for conclusive evidence of this if they need more persuading. While one’s at it, they may as well also check out Diamonds, and then I Don’t Know What The Weather Will Be and probably Something Out of the Blue just to solidify their understanding of the Birmingham talent – enjoy!
Sylvia Unerman
For further information and future events visit Laura Mvula’s website here.
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