!new! — Raven Kelela

Ultimately, Raven is a testament to Kelela’s singular artistry. It solidifies her status not just as a feature vocalist or a muse, but as an architect of sound who can capture the specific texture of modern Black queer life. It is an album about finding freedom in the midst of fatigue, offering a cool, dark sanctuary for anyone willing to step inside.

Released on February 10, 2023, via Warp Records , Kelela's sophomore studio album, , stands as a monumental blueprint for contemporary electronic soul. Arriving after a six-year hiatus following her critically acclaimed 2017 debut Take Me Apart , the album moves beyond traditional verse-chorus frameworks to establish a fluid, subaquatic sonic landscape. Across its 15 closely linked tracks, Raven explores themes of queer Black womanhood, radical vulnerability, and historical erasure , positioning the dancefloor not merely as a space for escapism, but as a site for deep emotional and political reclamation. raven kelela

From the first metallic shiver of “Washed Away,” Kelela immerses you in a liquid world. The production (handled by LSDXOXO, Kaytranada, and more) is lush but alien—bubbling basslines, fractured 2-step garage beats, and ambient synth work that feels like breathing underwater. Her voice, often multitracked into ghostly harmonies, glides between vulnerability and defiance. Ultimately, Raven is a testament to Kelela’s singular

In an era where club music is often about escape, Kelela’s Raven dares to ask: What if the club is where you finally face yourself? Released on February 10, 2023, via Warp Records

A masterclass in ambient club soul. Essential listening for late nights, long walks, and emotional resets. Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

The Sonic Architecture: From Ambient Openings to Club Realities