London’s Kamal. injects his honeyed tone right into your heart with his first single of 2023, “essential.” The single accompanies the announcement of his upcoming mixtape, ‘so here you are, drowning’ set to release March 17th.

If you’re already familiar with the bedroom-pop melodist, then you already know the quality to expect when Kamal. blesses his listeners with new music. “essential” touches on a disgruntled relationship, not letting someone back into your life while that person can’t decide what they want. 

“Funny how you thought you were essential, I don't need you anyway.”

With delicate guitar, xylophone accent melodies, and a spacious synth bass, producer J Moon elevates the emotion Kamal. brought to the table, as Kamal reassures himself he will be fine without this person. Giving fans a look into a growing Kamal. sound, likely a preview to what is to come on ‘so here you are, drowning,’ “essential” becomes a new personal favorite from the rising phenom. Give it a listen below:

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