IXL EP Review

/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable mso-style-name:”Table Normal”; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:””; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;

I’ve written it once and I’ll write it again… the absolute best part of reviewing music is that every so often you’re introduced to an artist that you truly love and value, not just as a creative musical entity but also as a contributor to the fabric of what our ‘little’ nation can achieve in an audial realm. Bailey Wiley is exactly one of these artists; which brings me to sometimes the more difficult aspect of reviewing music; how to sum up such a vital an important piece of New Zealand neo-soul, blues and beats into a succinct and useful review for you.

Put simply, if you don’t take a moment to go to www.baileywiley.com and listen to her stunning 6 new original tracks on her EP, entitled, IXL… well, then you’re a lazy music fan. Hand in your badge. This autobiographical EP has a lot of offer; fast slow beats on Syncopate contributed by Swaren Veygal are tight and awesome, with Wiley’s smooth vocal delivery perfectly measured and in control… a track sure to pull interest from beat makers and wax hounds the world over.

Cigarettes and Regrets, Fire and Villains and Strangers (a fantastically motivating track to take comfort in); display Wiley’s adept ability to revitalize jazzy soul and blues sensibilities into current and relate-able vignettes of modern life; a genre that’s so essential and well carved out, yet Wiley finds a fresh, unique perspective. IXL feat. Raiza Biza and After the Tone delve into the areas of romance, love and love-making more to the point on After the Tone – phew! Kicking off with a breathy voicemail message, it’s an invitation to Wiley’s inclination, that’s sensual and suggestive without getting gutter trash on it; “You can hold my hand if you hold it tight/you can be my man if you freak my mind.” Awesome.

IXL the EP is a slow burning scorch of mad intent, seriously do yourself a favour, you MUST check it out.