Laila! with her debut album, "Gap Year." Making no apologies for who he is, the Londoner turns in a 17-track project, taking you on a fearless and intimate deep dive to self-discovery, artistic growth, and raw musical expression. All wrapped with a unique sonic aesthetic blending together alternative, R&B, and lo-fi influences.
"Talent Show" comes first on the album, a striking introduction to Laila! 's poetic vocal style and elaborate storytelling. Backed by reverberant electric guitar melodies, "Gap Year" boldly asserts her artistic identity. From there, "Gap Year" unfolds with visionary production and poignant lyricism, showcasing not only Laila! 's vocal prowess but also her talent as a producer, concluding a duality that occupies the heart of this project."
Highlights include "SINK 2 Rise", where her airy, jazzy-soulful vocals float and drift over rich lush, all-R&B production, giving a brief glimpse into her ability to create soundscapes every bit as fluid and versatile as her stories. Another fan favorite, "Like That," and the song "Could Be" features Laila!'s ability to combine vulnerability with vibrant beats that refuse to quit. "Gap Year" sticks around long after the last one has evaporated.
"Gap Year" runs simultaneously but has a runtime of 44 minutes and 13 seconds. It's a statement. It's a testament to an artist's boundless imagination during an ascendant period, demonstrating how taking time out to think, ponder, and record can yield something remarkable.