Zinoleesky undergoes an overdue sonic 180° on 'Grit and Lust' [Album Review]

While still retaining the essence of a young man whose reality is forged on the streets of Lagos, Zinoleesky has found success and that means a new reality must be accommodated in his worldview.

This new reality includes luxury and the resources with which he pursues his pleasures while maintaining a self-awareness that his money can't buy love or loyalty.

In 'Grit and Lust', the above subject matters are compressed across 8 tracks across which Zinoleesky engages in an overdue sonic 180°.

After establishing himself as one of the exciting crops of talents adding some refinement to street music, Zinoleesky found success through the South African Amapiano sound that found its way into Nigerian in the covid-inspired creative boom of 2020.

When his infectious melody, witty and relatable writing, and leisured flows are combined with the log drummed propelled Nigerian Amapiano variant, Zinoleesky music was able to appeal to listeners across the street and the refined listeners. This is a success in which he lingered for what can be considered too long that he risked wearing out listeners with sonic overfamiliarity.

After establishing himself as a familiar voice in the mainstream, Zinoleesky refreshes his sound in his sophomore EP 'Grit and lust'. The project sees the use of the familiar language of Yoruba and Pidgin with occasional switches to English to convey his desires that mostly border on sexual while also holding up a loner profile he has built over the years.

The Pop record 'Personal' which he released as a lead-up to the EP suggested the sonic direction that Zinoleesky's new sophomore EP might take. The freshness the track offered raised optimism in listeners for a new sound and 'Grit and Lust' to an extent delivered on this expectation.

Zinoleesky doesn't have a profile or personality beyond his music. This has allowed him to adopt a quiet and almost lone sheep-like personality he doesn't shy away from owning up to. "Just being myself don't take it personally," he says in the opening line of 'Personal' as he talks about his ambitions while echoing a belief in God common amongst street artists. The reverb, drums, and limited percussion offer a westernized pop sound that points at a sonic 180 but a desire to retain his audience.

Even when exploring the subject of love it's from a point of pleasure and use of sexual innuendos like in 'Odinaka' where the lyrics are just as suggestive as the title. Having stepped away from Amapianpo, Zinoleesky still retains familiar flows that sit comfortably on the Pop beat and allows for a refreshing change rather than a drastic one.

Culled from: Pulse

Copyright IREPORTER NEWS.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from iREPORTER NEWS.
Contact: ireporterng@gmail.com