Xenoula: Xenoula review – an intricate, experimental debut

Occasionally this debut album from Xenoula (real name Romy Xeno) feels like relatively run-of-the-mill indietronica – tracks like Luna Man, for example, are somewhat forgettable. But as the album opens out, it’s clear the South Africa-born, Wales-based artist, along with producer LA Priest, offers something more intricate and strange. Dreamy Caramello boasts breathy, sweet vocals ghosting over rich but fragmented electronic textures, pulled together over a warm, organic, psych-infused groove, while standout Tororoi finds lithe percussion dancing and weaving around her voice. At its best this is earthy, experimental pop, but the unusual sounds that pique the interest come too inconsistently.