London maverick Elijah Aike looks set to bring invention and odyssey to the UK alt-rap scene, offering up the alluring, resplendent and hypnotic new single ‘Foldin’. A futuristic and sonically progressive artist, Elijah offers music full of industry and vibrancy, taking influence from a variety of UK and US sub-genres. On this cut, the influence of American trap music is clear to see, as well as UK alternative hip hop and more gritty US complexions. 

On the murky, modernistic instrumental, we get El Londo, sizzling synths, underlying keys and busy percussion create a psychedelic underbelly, whilst letting the vocal do much of the melodic progression. The heavily autotune harmonies parade the soundscape, adding some luxurious dulcet texture to the beat, with savvy production ensuring that the autotune technique remains authentic and unpredictable. The clouded, opaque timbre of the music is mirrored with the equivocal, sharp flows and ambiguous lyricism, as Aike staggers around themes of intoxication and darkness.

With its short run time clocking in under 2 minutes. Elijah Aike leaves us wanting more, with a track full of intent and snappy rhetoric. A boundless talent, I’m eager to hear what he does next.