Sara King - “Velvet”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Lana Del Rey, SZA, Ari Lennox

Fiercely dreamy and hypnotic, Sara King’s latest single “Velvet” is a transfixed space ballad of cinematic R&B and pop tones, a lushly and experimentally produced single that highlights King’s sultry and mysterious take on the genre. By stretching and manipulating melody and rhythm, “Velvet” turns from a throwback, breezy jazz-pop track to a sonic exploration of subtle yet full deviations. The Dallas-based artist gives “Velvet” an understated vocal to match the mood of the trip hop leaning track, a sweeping instrument even when charming off its soft power. It is one in a series of singles following King’s debut EP Heat, a five-song collection of new-wave synth breezes (“Dreamz”), hazy, mid-tempo rock (“88 Days”) and new-soul R&B (“Honeymoon”). While these tracks are coolly and groovily delivered, “Velvet” is a significant step up in production and vibe and hopefully a sign of something deeper and richer to follow heading into SXSW 2020. (Kevin McStravick)