LOS ANGELES — Dua Saleh, the Sudanese-American actor and artist best known for his role as Cal Bowman on Netflix’s “Sex Education,” has released the first of his experimental debut album, “I Should Call Them.” Captivate in seconds.
The opening track “Chi Girl” lays the foundation for the rest of Saleh’s Infectious project. A haunting string arrangement echoes and blends into the backdrop of Saleh’s dreamy vocals. Electronic percussion then brings the story of desire.
“Baby, I’m feeling down/Now I’m drunk on your touch,” Saleh sings in a laid-back falsetto. “I throw it away/Looking down when I’m downtown/If that’s not love, what’s the point?”
“Want” effortlessly exudes a captivating blend of indie pop and electronica. The track rivals the moody, sensual atmosphere of Saleh’s musical contemporaries, such as Amarae and Majid Jordan. But Saleh avoids becoming derivative by injecting elements of rock, R&B, and rap, adding his own edge to a familiar sound.
On “I Should Call Them,” Saleh’s avant-pop doesn’t play it safe, using complex instrumentation and poetic lyricism that’s worth repeat listens to.
Although they are best known as actors, Saleh has been releasing music since 2017, gaining attention in certain sections of the internet with their seminal rap and pop tracks “Sugar Mama” and “Macrodosing.” I am. Still, they weren’t afraid to take risks. And with this genre-fluid album, they succeeded in honing their craft even further.
Songs like “Time and Time Again,” featuring Indian R&B artist Sid Sriram, find Saleh effortlessly stepping into alternative R&B with a sexy, slow blend of strings and percussion. This is amplified by Saleh’s breathing harmonies.
“Bo Peep” is a genre-defying production that blends elements of rap, electronica, and Latin instrumentals, allowing their vocal range to shine.
Thematically, it moves from sweet and suggestive to laid-back bravado. Saleh raps, “‘I wanted to swim thinking about her body’ She was true / I didn’t have to think about taking a dip in the pool."
“I Should Call Them” loses excitement near the halfway point after “Unruly,” featuring New York experimental R&B artist serpentwithfeet. “Playing Games” and “Television” featuring Ambre then interject upbeat electronica tracks. “Cradle” – a short break in a powerful work of art.
At a time when some outsider pop is lackluster, Saleh’s seminal project makes the case that they could very well be at the forefront of the next wave of the genre. In that respect, they’re no different from other unconventional artists like FKA Twigs early in her career.
The album ends with the chaotic punk “2excited”. A captivating ending with saxophone and snaps. It’s the end of an emotional roller coaster and the perfect reminder that this debut album is full of surprises. Trying something that most new artists are afraid to do, Saleh runs towards it.
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