Eroticized music isn’t always lyrically-driven, and in the case of the new single from Devinn Le’Raay and Lakes the Voice, “FaceTime,” the sensuousness of the melody is pulled together largely by the framing of the beat. Le’Raay and Lakes the Voice make for quite the provocative combo, with the latter lighting the wick on what is arguably one of the more even-burning candles I’ve heard in indie R&B this month. The tone is never reserved, and yet “FaceTime” sports an intimate quality that doesn’t take but a single listen to get hooked on. All in all, this single feels like a high point for both of these collaborators, especially as it relates to the current state of their scene.
I love when artists make tonality a priority, and there’s scarcely a moment in this track where Le’Raay isn’t putting the formidable strength of the bottom-end on the same level as the verses. This mix is superbly meticulous, but it’s obvious these guys weren’t overthinking the concept when they got behind the board. There’s a lot more room for indulgence, but they’re resisting the temptation to make this cosmetic-centric; there’s something to be said here, and it’s much deeper than lyrics would initially imply.
Watch the video for “Facetime” below
Le’Raay is particularly blunt with his statement here, but his delivery is as soft as silk, making the contrast an evocative agent of communication all on its own. I don’t think he has as much interest in sharpening the climax off of the hook as he does telling us something about his passion, his desire; the very fact that he’s as aggressive with these poeticisms suggests that he intends on making these fantasies a reality. The charisma centers on his execution, and to me, he’s really raising the bar for both himself and his peers in the ATL.
Anyone who thought this scene’s weaker faction was gaining momentum on the indie players like Devinn Le’Raay clearly didn’t see this collaboration with Lakes the Voice coming, and I like the ambition that its stylization advertises for both of these talented artists. “FaceTime” plays out some crude themes on the surface level, but the way it weaponizes rhythm and harmony to reinforce its theme is too cosmopolitan and surreal to be ignored, even by the most discriminating of listeners. I could go for another meeting between these two in the future, but for now, what they deliver in “FaceTime” stands out as a reason to keep both of them on your radar.
