Elujay - “Ratrace”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…Cautious Clay, Daniel Caesar, Pink Sweat$

Oakland-based R&B artist Elujay nicely balances pop and indie forms on his 2022 full-length Circmvmt, a record sweet, vibey, and built on jazzy swing. There’s smoky-lounge atmosphere over many of the tracks on Circmvnt, a little sexy and a little psychedelic, a dreamy state that gives Elujay freedom to weave airy neo-soul melodies within that comfortable space. The jazz leans also give Circmvnt complexity - see the playful bass lines and trip-hop breakdown of opener “Hummingbird (quiet as Kept)”, the reggae bounce of “Luvaroq”, and the club groove of “1080p” as examples of Elujay’s diverse songwriting. More woozy than sharp, Elujay is also smart to let his music take the lead, blending his vocals as another instrument rather that going full-pop against the music’s nature of subtlety and invention. About six years into his year, the 25-year-old already has a deep catalog of three records and a slew of singles, but it’s clear that Elujay is an artist looking forward as he slides into SXSW this year. (Kevin McStravick)