Nilüfer Yanya dwells in life’s absurdities and anxieties. The English singer-songwriter’s ambitious debut album, “Miss Universe”, is based around a loose concept, a faux self-care hotline that promises to cure the pains of existence. Her voice flickers with controlled chaos, a glimmering falsetto in one breath and a rich rumble in the next. Shining synths give way to buoyant guitar fuzz, a la the Strokes. On a few tracks, Yanya interjects with the soothing monotone of a call specialist, emphasizing her striking power upon returning to the regularly scheduled programming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKm4nAH_VLc
London singer-songwriter Nilufer Yanya released her debut single Small Crimes back in 2016. Inspired by the actions of a petty thief, it is a haunting but simple tale that showcases Yanya’s lyrical talents, influenced by the likes of Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley as well as Connan Mockasin. Keep On Calling is similar in style to Small Crimes, Yanya’s vocals accompanied only by carefully picked guitar. Soon though, she adds another string to her bow, as the song transforms itself into a quasi-R&B number with only a few handclaps and a slight tonal shift. It’s still minimalist, but Yanya shows that you can do a lot with a little.
“Keep On Calling” by Nilüfer Yanya released on Blue Flowers Music
The Fat Angel Sings 