MOMOKO GILL
Momoko (Strut)
After last year’s excellent Clay, collaborating with Matthew Herbert, I was stoked by the prospect of Momoko Gill’s debut – and the result far exceeds expectations. A jazz album at its heart, Momoko incorporates spiritual jazz, electronica and a touch of the avant-garde, crafting an immersive experience with warm production.
No Others is driven by tight drums and double bass, Afrobeat guitar circling in and out as nimble piano echoes Momoko’s vocal phrasing: “Face my fears, always to know wrong from right.” Remind/Rewind, Shadowboxing and Anyway I’m Drowning lean heavily into the Bristolian trip-hop of Martina Topley-Bird, Tricky and Massive Attack, with woodwind and windchimes on the first of those linking to Momoko’s Japanese heritage.
Opener Satellite and Test A Small Area are experimental tasters. With side two graced by pared-back, direct love song 2close2farr and transcendent, tear-inducing protest song When Palestine Is Free – elevated by a 50-strong choir – Momoko is an essential album on the right side of morality, overflowing with musicality and humanity.
words CHRIS SEAL
