Mau from Nowhere doesn't just drop music; he heads a multimedia experience. With his latest EP, "Soft Steps," the genre-defying artist offers seven tracks in an odyssey that intertwines all the elements of alternative Afro-fusion, soulful R&B, and an experimental soundscape that is wholly his own.
Born in Nairobi, raised in the UK, and of Dutch origins, Mau has a borderless outlook on music. Soft Steps is the auditory embodiment of his journey, a fragile yet fearless scouring of identity, self-discovery, and reinvention. Over 22 spellbinding minutes, Mau invites listeners to inhabit his world, where vulnerability and rhythm weave together effortlessly.
Central to the "Soft Steps" is "Fly," an absolute gem featuring HiHi. Hypnotic and contemplative, it breathes with airy textures and a grounding bassline while delivering a meditation on personal evolution. Mau's low, deliberate delivery makes Fly a siren call for anyone who craves movement, literally and figuratively. Further back, Crooked is another masterclass in melancholy and gentle groove, showing that simple can be just as powerful as complex.
From the opening till the end, Soft Steps resists easy classification. Many influences from Mau, such as the fearless musical palette of Outkast and the raw thrill of Bloc Party, tint every note, resulting in music that strikes the right balance between fiercely unique and familiar. Each track is a brushstroke on a larger, intricately crafted sound painting, revealing an artist unafraid to challenge the boundaries of the avant-garde.
With "Soft Steps," Mau is sending a message from nowhere. This is not just alternative R&B but alternative R&B with heart, intellect, and an undeniable fresh take. Where he goes next is uncertain, but one thing is clear: It may be soft steps, but they're leading somewhere powerful.