Self taught Kenyan born musician, songwriter and performer Vonj relocated to the United Kingdom long ago and has made a mark with previous independent releases but his latest release, an EP entitled Unity is Power, illustrates the success Vonj has experienced developing his performing and songwriting talents in recent years. He works with a first class assortment of musicians sympathetic to his artistic vision and capable of making their mark while still framing the material in such a way Vonj’s talents leap to the fore. Unity is Power perpetuates his songwriting message as well – a positive message quite different from the customary fare we hear from modern artists. It rings true, however, and never strikes listeners as an affectation straining to make an impact on its intended audience.
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“Skin Deep” is stepped in funk influences and the scintillating instrumental breaks built into the track pack quite a wallop. Vonj’s impassioned vocal delivery never risks musicality in favor of physically connecting with listeners; Vonj, instead, maintains a deft balance between these two characteristics and it makes for one of the best performances included on the EP. The focus of the song is apparent, as well, particularly during the memorable chorus exploding its potential for anyone who cares to listen. The guitar plating on this track is top notch, but it’s the rhythm section attack that’s likely to stick with listeners.
Some of those funk influences are still present on the EP’s title track but “Unity is Power” incorporates brass in a big way. It brings the song closer to a rambunctious R&B feel than funk, but the visceral connection between music and body defining the EP’s music thus far remains intact during this recording. The rhythm section playing distinguishing itself on the first song has a more diffuse, less immediate impact on this track, but it nonetheless remains the foundation of Vonj’s music. It is perhaps surprising this is the EP’s shortest song, but it harbors an ample amount of snap thanks, in part, to its economical duration. Listeners continue to feel the same R&B influence exerting a hold over the track “Are You Ready?”, though the brass has lower key quality than the aforementioned cut. The exhortative tone implied by the song title comes off well despite the song’s running time; Vonj and his musical cohorts prove they can stretch their musical ambitions out to fill larger canvases without sacrificing their core strengths.
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“Vox Populi” has a more foreboding character than any of the previous tracks but never succumbs to heavy-handed histrionics. Vonj and his collaborators come by the song’s effects honestly – there isn’t any crass manipulation of listener’s emotional responses, no cheap gimmickry substituting for lack of songwriting and performing acumen. The R&B influences are a little more theatrical here than earlier in the release, but it nonetheless sounds part and parcel of the same musical vision defining the EP thus far. Vonj’s Unity is Power solidifies his position as one of the independent music world’s under-appreciated talents, a first rate musician and songwriting capable of appealing to wider audiences if afforded the opportunity.
Gwen Waggoner
