Jhazahra – Sound Killa – Review

March 27, 2024

Jhazahra: Sound Killa Single Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com.

Up-and-coming artist Jhazahra certainly cannot be boxed in. After the 2023 track Headline with Iffa Cush, she returned in 2024 with something completely different.

Sound Killa, released via Treydrumz/Blak Yaad Productions, sees Jhazahra take on a sound which can’t decide if it’s Reggae, Dancehall, or something nearer Alt RnB – which is a very good thing – although it’s definitely rooted in a Sound System vibe.

Written by Jhazahra, the track opens as something Old Skool Dancehall with that recognisable rhythmic clave along with some forthright horns from the legendary Dean Fraser. However, it quickly slips into something more Alt RnB, with a stuttering drum line accompanied by a smooth electric organ that mimics the main vocal melody. However, at points we also slip briefly into Reggae – as the keys come in on a bubble rhythm to cement that sound. There are also some pointed Dub breaks across the track – but overall, the vibe is one of Alt RnB meets Reggae with some nods to Dancehall thrown in.

This is all done via some interesting instrumental devices. The bass keeps a consistent line throughout – a credit to Treydrumz, as he’s recognised that a useful bass lick can cross genres. Here it does, as a stuttering rhythmic arrangement that on occasion drops beats is coupled with a basic melodic line. The drums are also central to the sound. The hi-hats maintain a consistent pattern throughout, as does the snare – however the kick varies, increasing and decreasing the syncopation depending on what point of Sound Killa we’re at. The use of the electric organ is well-placed, too – focusing on the RnB sound when it’s generally used in the Reggae sections – merging the two genres well.

The use of synths, samples, and additional percussion is also very good – including some great space gun synths, additional kette drums, and at one point some crashing metallic sounds, and at others broken glass. Engineering-wise, Sound Killa is also accomplished. Of particular note is the use of the left and right inputs to increase the sonic experience for the listener, the unfussy and sparingly used reverb, and the crescendo and decrescendo across the synths lines to create atmospherics.

Jhazahra is at her best throughout, as well. Here, she delivers a sound that can’t quite decide it it’s singjay or straight vocal. Across the early choruses there’s definite vocal inflections as she draws out notes – usually at odds with this Sound System style of performance. On the verses, she heads more towards singjay territory yet still with the interpretation of a vocalist, as she uses complex melodies and performance techniques (including use of dynamics) across what are very intricate rhythmic patterns. It’s really solid work from Jhazahra and shows the full range of her abilities.

Overall, Sound Killa is a very interesting and engaging piece of work. Refusing to be boxed in, it’s a thoroughly modern take on a Sound System sound – where genres are combined and smashed, while Jhazahra takes it all in her stride with a delicious performance. Perfect.