Elmiene – ‘Sounds for Someone’ review: A stunning debut from a stellar talent

Much has happened since Elmiene first shot to fame in 2021 as a university student covering the late great D’Angelo’s ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’ in his garden. Now, on his debut LP sounds for someone, influences like him, whom Elmiene wears on his sleeve, are weaved into a stunningly diverse record.

Take ‘Light By the Window’, which sounds like an extension of Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo’s ‘Nothing Even Matters’, such is Elmiene’s understanding of R&B sensibilities. Elsewhere, there are gospel influences on ‘Saviour’ and something markedly Sade-esque about the gorgeous vocals and orchestral elements of ‘Lonely People’.

The record is a showcase of both his dynamism as a vocalist – his range and control are astounding – and his adeptness at delving into various sounds. Each song is its own distinct musical journey, the final package never disjointed, each fabric and texture is stitched together by an expert curator.

There’s lyrical substance, too: Elmiene drifts from sugary love songs to themes of grief, longing and heartache. A highlight comes on ‘Cry Against the Wind’, as Elmiene wrestles with his guilt around the death of his father Jameel: “I think it’s really real that I hate you my Jameel, but I’d watch the whole world drown to see you cry again,” is a gut punch wrapped in velvet tones.

This is an extraordinarily talented young artist who proves that he can operate in any sonic lane he likes. That his next step is to find one which is his own is incredibly exciting.