CONTOUR レコード& CD

Review: Charleston artist Contour, aka Khari Lucas, showcases his ever-evolving creativity on Take Off from Mercy, his debut album for Mexican Summer. Originally a beatmaker, Lucas has expanded his sound across projects like Onwards in 2022, Love Suite in 2021 and Weight in the same year, all of which blend noirish, sample-driven r&b with plenty of other diverse influences. Take Off from Mercy moves away from sampling, instead embracing guitar-led compositions that weave blues, Tropicalia, hip hop, post-punk and indie rock. This album solidifies Lucas's status as a dynamic lyricist and collaborator and has great contributions from Saul Williams, Mndsgn and co-producer Omari Jazz.

Review: Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Contour brings a fresh flow to black soul music which finds a natural home on leading London label Touching Bass. Khari Lucas, to use his given name, uses the 12 tracks on Onwards! To reflect on the nature of black art past, present and future. His tools of expression are a mesmerising voice, smoky beat production and compelling lyricism, folded up into an album which ranks alongside some of the best of recent times. We're in a prime era for progressive soul, whether it's Liv.e or Sudan Archives we're tuning into and Contour is helping push things forwards in his own deeply felt way.