HURU – Guilty (2022)
Describing her sound as “cosmic”, UK-based singer-songwriter HURU draws together elements of indie-pop and contemporary pop dusted with soul sentiments. Beginning at the age of 15 in the Kenyan music scene, HURU was making waves early on connecting with listeners on an international scale. As of now, she has performed at infamous venues, played exclusive sets and even took to the digital stage at East Africa’s Nyege Nyege Festival. The latest addition to her critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Guilty’.
Following her track ‘Slow Motion’, HURU adopts a more upbeat, toe-tapping and eclectic sound in ‘Guilty’. Opening with a commercial pop beat pumping through the soundscape, HURU quickly has you bopping your head. I can easily imagine this song to be one to sing along to when driving your car or sitting on the bus staring out onto the passing lanes. Yet, there is a strength to the vocal execution pushing at your brain making you pay more attention to ‘Guilty’. Layered atop the synth-based instrumentation, she taps at you forcing you to stop staring listlessly and listen carefully.
Recorded with long-term collaborator Scott Colcombe, ‘Guilty’ weaves an intriguing arrangement with poetic lyricism. Written during a time of reflection and healing, HURU uses a personal narrative to share a tale of betrayal, suspicion and heartbreak. When speaking about the track HURU shares that “’Guilty’ is about the heartache that comes with acknowledging betrayal in a relationship. It was an emotional journey creating this song but the vision to be vulnerable was certainly important…”
Reminding me greatly of Sade with her rich vocals, HURU oozes sentimentality, sincerity and a brutal honesty in the new song. Yet, while there is a poignant and profound depth in ‘Guilty’, the exploration of human fragility is intricately wrapped in a smile-inducing sensitivity.
So, what do I really think about ‘Guilty’? Personally, I adore the intimacy, connection and profound sensitivity oozing from the kaleidoscopic sound. I cannot wait to see what else HURU has in store.
For more from HURU check out her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
