Lola Moxom Lays Velvety Vocals on New EP ‘OXO’ (Review)

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UK R&B fans, Lola Moxom is here to treat your ears. In her debut EP ‘OXO‘ the 20-year-old newcomer delivers six songs worth of outstanding vocal talent. For fans of Tori Kelly or JoJo, Moxom crafts modern R&B jams with her perfect pipes. Hot off her successful new single ‘GOOD4U’, this London-based musician is our newest go-to girl for those classic riffs and runs.

This EP is a musical diary and plays out as such. Consequently, this songwriter holds nothing back, detailing personal stories of her relationship dramas. She starts the project with one of the stronger songs in the entire project, ‘Too Late‘. Here, she sounds off on a deceitful ex who is coming crawling back for forgiveness. Atop head-knocking drums, we hear her ask ‘How could you move on so quick?/ Acting like the last four years was easy to forget / Because two months later you were dining with her in Paris / Did you plan this?’

After getting this off her chest, the project takes a U-Turn. Lola dials up the sexy and sultry jams, as ‘GOOD4U‘ offers up major ‘Cater 2 You‘ by Destiny’s Child energy. Understandably, ‘GOOD4U‘ has become a fan favourite, plus it has a radio-friendly appeal with its faster pace. However, it is not my favourite track on the project – I much prefer the likes of ‘Turn Down The Lights‘. In my opinion, a song like ‘Turn Down The Lights‘ better showcases the performer’s unique appeal. So often lacking in today’s UK R&B chart, the ability to make slower-paced sensual hits that aren’t repetitive and boring is a gift.

Furthermore, the subsequent doubleheader of ‘7:21‘ and the 2024 single ‘Cool with It‘ solidified my stance on this project and its quality. The contrast between these songs showcases how Moxom can wow in stripped-back broken-hearted revelations and then flip the script. ‘7:21‘ is my favourite track from the EP, and was co-written with fellow British up-and-comer Humble The Great. It’s a slow-paced heart-melter that feels healing to listen to. 

She turns this on its head with ‘Cool With It’, which houses one of the most unbelievable vocal runs I’ve ever heard. In particular, listeners will love how the production turns frantic as she ramps up to the final chorus. Get ready to say ‘wow’ when you hear her vocal gymnastics on this record.

To close the project, ‘Superpower‘ is the ballad many will have been waiting for. With simple piano keys and highly emotional lyrics, you can’t lose. I’m sure this will be a favourite for many fans who can relate to her confessions here. She’s desperate to give into the undeniable chemistry she has built with somebody, practically begging them to take a leap of faith with her. Although on first listen I feel a greater affinity to some of the other songs on the project, this song illustrates the diary construct of the EP well. Every line on ‘Superpower‘ sounds so deeply personal.

I appreciate how this starlet incorporates jazz sounds throughout this project, showing an appreciation for the genre’s roots. Unlike so many newcomers making ‘microwave’ quick hits with two-dimensional production, this songstress has built a formula that works: fuse timeless and trendy instrumentation and production styles. 

Her star power has been recognised by the wider industry, with the likes of Mahalia and GoldLink giving her praise. In addition, she is opening for R&B super trio FLO on tour this year. This perfect pairing of sounds and energy will certainly result in an exponential growth in fans for Lola.

Moreover, IndustryMe has identified her as the one to watch this year by placing her on our Purple List. We trust this will be a huge year for this vocal powerhouse, and we are eager to see where this artist will take her talent in the remainder of the year.

Rating: 8.5/10

Lola Moxom is on Instagram, Threads, X, and TikTok. Read more album reviews here, and discover more of our Purple List artists here.

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