Miles from Kinshasa - Beloved [EP Review]
In ‘Beloved’, South London artist Miles from Kinshasa offers his fresh, open-hearted take on 80’s era sophisti-pop, replete with lush, full-bodied soundscapes and warm Rhumba beats.
Have you heard of rumba-pop? Vivien Kongolo, known by his moniker Miles from Kinshasa (Miles as in distance and Kinshasa as in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital) coined the term to describe his original style of fusion music – an eclectic mix of Congolese rumba rhythms and bright synth-pop sounds. Though born in DRC, the singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist has always called London his home and has family ties to France, spending time in Paris and other parts of the country during his childhood. Experiencing a range of cultures from a young age must surely link to the vibrant, expansive nature of his songwriting. Laced with experimentalism, his music nonetheless has mainstream accessibility, thanks to the bright melodies and catchy hooks that tend to crop up in his songs. His flair also comes from his love for all things 80’s - You’re unlikely to catch a track of his which isn’t gloriously embellished with luminescent synths or the kind of 808 samples that would get a big thumbs up from Marvin Gaye.
Spanning eight tracks, ‘Beloved’ is Miles From Kinshasa’s first full-length project in three years, since his debut album ‘LIMBO’. Much like his first full-length, ‘Beloved’ deftly explores the ambiguous situations and feelings emblematic of the millennial experience. With diary-like introspection, he dips into the uncertainty and disconnect within modern relationships through thoughtful reflections while contemplating his own personal experiences.
Though the project contemplates relationship breakdown, disparity and an uncertain future, MFK makes sure not to delve too deep into melancholy. Tracks like ‘Wearing Smiles’ (co-produced by Kadiata) and ‘Extra’, though lyrically a little bleak, have a resoundingly positive feel due to their bright hooks and warm beats. Similarly, the tingly 80’s pop aesthetic in break-up track ‘Best of You’ creates a sonic atmosphere that makes ending things seem like a pretty chilled-out affair, despite the disappointment he expresses as he sings, “can’t believe I’ve got to start again.” Throughout the album, the true depth of MFK’s feelings can be found buried in his lyrics, but when they’re delivered as they are, through warm, soothing vocals and wrapped in shimmering production, they may just go undetected. Rest assured, behind the catchy rhythms and opulent soundscapes, MFK bares his vulnerabilities with grace.
Miles From Kinshasa builds his tunes from rich, futuristic walls of sound, nailing that extravagant 80’s vibe while smoothly steering clear of any cheesiness. In ‘Beloved’, the dreamy, casual nature of his reflections and his R&B leanings mean that there’s a certain level of cool that keeps him at a commendable distance from anything too Spandau Ballet. The digitised pan-pipes of ‘Lookin’ 4 You’, the ethereal reverb-soaked synths of ‘Dice Games’ and the 808 rhythms of ‘Motionz’ are truly effective because MFK has skillfully made these exuberant flourishes, sound completely at home within the context of his cutting-edge production. It’s rare to find the words ‘understated’ and ‘80’s’ in the same sentence, but MFK has created something that’s entirely his own, something both laid-back and emotional, a resurgence of sorts which is also incredibly fresh. If you’re looking for a soothing nostalgia drenched soundtrack to help you heal a broken heart, Miles From Kinshasa’s ‘Beloved’ is the one for you.