In the midst of singers twerking, rappers still boosting about themselves and DJs reminding everyone to throw their hands in the air, listening to music often times feel like a bombardment of constant commercials with only 15 minutes of an actual show. Yet every now and then, an artist has the courage to push through the filler and deliver true substance. London based singer Lea Lea has taken the ambitious step to do just that. Using dark electronica, soul, ragga, bass and dub as the backdrop to add impact to often critical topics, Lea Lea’s self-titled album on the Wah Wah 45 label, is an impressive debut that slices through much of the madness and mediocrity of the current state of music.

Opening the album with “The Wanderer”, Lea Lea’s questions of the mysteries of life are aided by a digital dancehall sound, where sharp synths repeatedly stab into the track. While sonically popular with acts such as Diplo, the lyrics in the track are far from cheeky. The cinematic, brass powered music of “Black or White” lift Lea Lea’s incredible vocals like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Its triumphant air stands more like a victory march resulting from the answers rather than a state of confusion posed from the question. On the dub fused tune “The Road” featuring the vocals of reggae legend Horace Andy, Lea Lea vocally draws a clear line of expectation from someone who displays attraction. And while she finds the person interesting, she sings “You’re so nice and I’m feeling right, but I don’t want nothing else”. The song is a stark contrast to the often rants of “body touching” heard throughout today’s music. “AK47” is a commentary influenced by a visit to Mexico, where the drug war continues to affect the country, with its impact on the people remaining rife. One of the highlight cuts on the album is the single “Apartheid”, where Hackney bred Lea Lea sings of the social agony that still exists in many cities and countries around the world. The intense, bass heavy rhythm adds a sense of urgency to the message.

Overall “Lea Lea” is an examination of topics that transcend self wants and pleasure, yet takes a journey into the evaluation of subject matters often ignored by mainstream music. And while she could have easily used her physical beauty as a platform to be the center of attention, instead Lea Lea has chosen to walk the path of a warrior, using her God given talent to place the spotlight on things that affect us all. Thankfully, she is a reminder that great artists still exists.