Akua

Slow simmering rhythms spread throughout a dimly lit room as sultry soulstress Akua lit off a smoldering set of late-night moods in front of a sparse but eager early evening crowd. Armed for her one-woman showing with a synth, laptop and effects trigger, the dexterous singer worked each element with a collected cool, her own smooth voice flowing effortlessly in and out of each track's creamy and, at times, rhythmic vocal accompaniment, while soft electronic tones completed the groove. Cuts like "Gravity" soothed, with its aerial synths and delicate beat touches, while the pronounced bass, curious percussion and Akua's own spright delivery in new track "One's Company" made for a satisfyingly hypnotic experience. That last song offered a few adventurous creative hints of what folks can expect with the Montreal resident's upcoming release just around the bend — a record that should definitely be something to watch out for.