Leyla Romanova has established herself as a boundary pushing artist, experimenting with genre, and always delighting us with the unexpected. Her new single, 9/8, might be her most exciting one yet.
By Graeme Smith
As the title suggests, the single is performed in the unconventional 9/8 time signature meaning its rhythmic foundations sets it apart. Romanova calls on Rachmaninoff as much as she does Hans Zimmer for her influences, giving the piece a classical, cinematic feel.
There’s a sense of drama during a tense, string-led intro while the looping rhythm gives it a sense of movement. The track builds through its the first movement before finding an Eastern-tinged lightness and brightness. Romanova’s virtuoso piano takes the lead as the drama returns for the crescendo. A lingering close has us wondering what the next chapter will be.
It’s Romanova’s musicianship that allows her to move so convincingly between genres and to experiment with styles. She truly is proving to be one of the greats.
If you want to keep up to date with all she’s doing, you can by heading to her website, and by following her on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify.
9/8 is out now, and you can listen to it below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator