Words by Evan Crandell @EC_OnThe1
Skinny Pelembe may still be considered up and coming, but his latest single shows that it won’t be long before more people take notice. “I Just Wanna Be Your Prisoner” is his second single on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings label and with help from the South East London group Hejira, it proves that Pelembe is an artist to watch. As with his previous release “Spit / Swallow,” Pelembe exhibits a wholly unique sonic aesthetic on “I Just Wanna Be Your Prisoner,” this time with a pulsing, trance-like production that remains understatedly funky. Hejira singer Rahel Debebe-Dessalegne’s ethereal vocals blend right in with Pelembe’s as their voices weave together over his tasteful production. It’s unclear when we can expect Pelembe’s next release, so listeners in the U.K. would be wise to catch him on his maiden tour in September.