Connor Aiden
London-Based Pop Singer and Producer Sakima has finally released his long-awaited mixtape entitled 'Project Peach' this month following his first two EPs, Facsimile and Ricky. The project has taken over two years to bring into full fruition... but boy does it taste good *insert peach emojis here*. In an interview with Paper Magazine, the singer explained the inspiration behind the title came when stumbling upon an ancient Chinese story which rather humorously referred to being gay as ‘taking a bite of the forbidden peach’. The seven-track project explores LGBT themes not typically portrayed in mainstream pop music from digital romance, unrequited love, and coercion, all through a queer and pop central filter in true Sakima style.
"The motivation of my music has always been to express the hidden stories that are all around us but never discussed."
The project opens with self-love anthem Holy Water which welcomes us into the dreamy atmospheric landscape Sakima has grown, full of luscious, expensive-sounding synths, adroitly programmed beats, and sometimes sombre sometimes sweet catchy vocal lines that throw the listener into a completely palpable pop reverie. While the project isn’t necessarily overly conceptual, it succeeds in being so strongly cohesive that you almost lose track of time while listening. God Fearing Men is a perfect example of Sakima's juxtaposing vulnerability and alluring confidence as an artist, he discusses unrequited love singing 'I’m not asking you to want me, I’m not sure if that's what I really need, but you’re on my mind and between my thighs every morning", this track really sets the tone for the rest of the album and shows the listener very early on that the project is about anything but cliche topics. Lyrically Sakima knows exactly where to leave space and incorporate new ideas. The lyrics on the project strike a beautiful balance between simplistic chorus hooks and pretty poetic phrases.
The highlight of the album comes on the track Pity Party where the production becomes a lot darker and more alternative. Incorporating exponential and glitchy hi-hats with dark airy pads gives the ambience a sad and sensual quality. Texturally the song combats moments of intentional sparsity with high intensity, all lead by the hyper sensitive vocal. The deeply personal visuals were directed by Rianne White and emote a beautiful yet unsettling feeling over the viewer.
He's magical
Or so all the boys say
His lips are cold
But I want to now how they taste
Virtus Domum (translated Power House) is another high point, perhaps the most serious track on the Mixtape, thematically anyway. Sakima discusses the uncomfortable topic of coercion and the experience of being manipulated as a young gay man, masterfully contrasting the seemingly 'taboo' topic with a happy sounding and danceable club beat. The other tracks on the album Love You Less, Sweet Nothing, and The Very Same are more representative of Sakima's strong talent for crafting bona fide bops and provide more introspect into his world and life experiences.
Overall Project Peach successfully creates a universally listenable and non-esoteric experience for listeners who do not necessarily share the same experiences as well as those who have. The mixtape achieves something often missed in pop music today, retaining full individuality, originality and garnering some serious staying power. Sakima has demonstrated he's both an artist that provides depth and originality with something important to say and contribute towards the industry. With perfectly executed and one of a kind pop sensibilities, Project Peach is definitely not one to be missed.