SABRI Proves A Point On Soul-Infused Debut 'Actually, I Can' EP

SABRI manages to create a space to breathe, as well as throw caution to the wind as she experiments on her debut ep Actually, I Can sensuously combine musicscapes of R&B, Jazz and pop. SABRI finds a newfound self-confidence as the project develops not in just expression but in the story she tells.

Reminiscent of Mary J Blige and Lauryn Hill two of her major influences there are moments during the project where the Netherlands-born songbird greets her pain in an unflinching manner letting everything bleed.

An undercurrent electric guitar rift pulses on ‘Wish that loved never died’ that’s cushioned by off-beat drums. And in the midst of this production a melancholic SABRI, still reeling from the loss can’t help but let tiredness creep out of her old-school blues vocals as she beautifully translates her experiences into her chosen art form.

The following track ‘Broken Promises’ is the last single released in the run-up to the project and shows a transparent SABRI as she laments about all the promises never kept. Her voice comfortably sits in front of the emotive piano chords as she loses herself in a whirlwind of regret, pain and angst.

The independent artist retraces her steps in the stormy ‘Ready’ as she revisits the beginning stages of the relationship. Her voice is tinged with nostalgic and reluctant affection but also regret at the consequences of her own actions that resulted in the breakup. She sings “

And in ‘Falling off you’ the elements of a groovy base compliments the transitions from raw passionate verses to an airy and light chorus. SABRI expertly explores the concept that love can easily ruin you as well as save you as she braces herself against an ever-changing terrain.

Speaking on the meaning behind the project, SABRI shares, “‘Actually, I Can.’ is about the phase I’m in as I enter my thirties. The days of insecurities and hardships are over. I grew as a woman and now it’s time to fucking shine and live the life I deserve. Actually, I Can. symbolises independence, growth, self-confidence and self-love.”

‘Too perfect to be loved’ signals a breakaway from the R&B and soul influence of the album but it doesn’t take away anything from the innovative production we’ve heard so far. We witness SABRI’s powerful vocals as she fiercely sings the hook “ What we had we were no more than friends…never thought it would come right to this, no it’s over.”

Switching tones, the songstress plays the part of a hopeless romantic in the bluesy record ‘Lost in You’. The track has gently strummed guitars with a free-flowing improvisation jazz feel to it. And in the soulful classic ‘Something I know’, backed with an assembly of horns, keys and bass she gets everything off of her chest.

Lastly in ‘So Long To You’ SABRI simultaneously says goodbye to the past and hello to the future. Exquisite long notes are held in a way that allows the pain to linger allowing us to feel every emotion which is reinforced by the piano chords.

Ultimately, we witness the beginning and the end of a certain stage in SABRI's life however we cannot wait to hear the aftermath.

Listen here now.