Syria-born, France-based artist K-Rym unveils his debut project D-Boy Love, an 8 track project that culminates his years of self-development as a self-contained musician and creative. The project is a mix of self-produced tracks and collaboration with other producers while the themes focus on his Syrian roots, love, loss, and the journey as a young man from a war-torn country.
The project starts with “Can’t Let Go,” a sad love tune that explores heartbreak and his pining for a love that is fleeting. Lines like “You were never mine but I was always yours/So much emotions hurting my soul” seep through his emotive vocals as he pours his heart over the pounding drums and ethereal strings laid before him. This is followed by the moody “Bleed,” which comprises solemn piano riffs and punchy Dancehall-afro pop-infused rhythms. Here K-Rym reflects on a blossoming love and the indecisions and trepidations that come with it. The doubts and uncertainty that seem to cloud one’s judgment come to the forefront but K-Rym is certain that all is well as he reassures his lover. “Ran” continues on a similar wavelength, especially the dark moody production. His breathy vocals stand out over the soundscape alongside his outpour of emotions. He pours adulation on a lover and apologizes for his wrongdoings with the intent to rectify the situation. “Scared” starts with a soothing tone and sublime but pulsating synth and a touch of Middle Eastern rhythms and textures. Here, K-Rym reflects on his past with his intentional songwriting and expressive vocal runs to match.
“I Don’t Need You” has an interesting melodic overtone that taps into K-Rym’s Syrian roots and his love for modern R&B/hiphop. He pours his heart on wax as he comes to terms with a relationship that has fallen apart. In “Robbed,” K-Rym gives us a glimpse into his life as he talks about his upbringing in Syria. The production taps into his roots with rich, moody pianos, textures and gripping rhythms underpinned by his lucid songwriting about life in Syria and the memories that were seemingly robbed from him.
The project closes out with “High” and “Fiji,” two songs that continue K-Rynm’s foray into matters of the heart. The former opens with a sad voicenote from a lady who has decided to move from the love they both shared. The track has a dark and ominous vibe that works with K-Rym’s expressive vocal performance. The latter has a bright and somewhat nostalgic texture laced with sublime vocal samples layered with punchy jersey club drum grooves. K-Rym employs a UK-drill-styled flow and shows off a new side of his creativity. He pays homage to his roots and shares his aspirations to reach the top like Fiji.
Overall, D-Boy Love mostly concentrates on love and the ups and downs that come with it and while some of the production is similar, it still bangs as a debut EP from a Syrian refugee who is fully hands-on with his music career.
Stream D-Boy Love on all DSPs here.
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