released: october 31, 2025

genre: electronic / r&b

from: chicago, usa

label: xl recordings

a few thoughts: two albums in, and keiyaa is already amongst one of the most innovative, interesting and genre-pushing artists working today. 2020’s forever, ya girl introduced us to her dynamic, rhythmic and soulful blend of stunning r&b vocals, and eclectic electronic and hip-hop production. five years later, she is back with hooke’s law, a 19-track masterpiece of meandering soundscapes and captivating stories of her state of mind, relationships, and the state of the world, reflected metaphorically in the album title. in simplest terms, hookes law is what happens when you pull a spring too much. it gets deformed. changes shape, changes function. keiyaa has always been vulnerable in her art, capturing her anxieties about the world, but also sharing dreams and aspirations for a love and liberation-led community. after the brief but sweet opener “waltz d’hethert”, the album shifts into gear with “i h8 u”. swirling synths, high-tempo beat and an almost sarcastic vocal energy from keiyaa, who reminds us “the whole system, “the whole system is a scam / the poor suffering is the plan / nickel and dime your life / Their pockets fat while your home is in strife.” the moody yet angelic energy on “stupid prizes” is beautiful. the jittery groove and beat switch on “take it” is soo good, while the drum programming, bass and synth melody on “be quiet!!!” makes it one of my favourites – there’s something truly entrancing about that track. there’s so much going on sonically throughout the album, as she’s able to effortless mesh, or rather sequence, tracks with different energies, but with a cohesion to it. keiyaa had a little to drink and wants to find out more on “think about it/what u think?” with a thumping and heavy beat that captures an emphatic energy to it. the subtle wind instrumentation and the change in drumming is also so phenomenal. the subtle flute on “k.i.s.s.”, as well as the emphatic beat and groove is a highlight for me. “make good” is a beautiful and lush track describing part of what love looks for her. “this time” features an excellent verse from rahrah gabor, reflecting on love and lust, while keiyaa navigates a breakup. the energy on “lateeee” is infectious, while the disorienting and eclectic composition on “get close 2 me” is fire, and so good to dance to. the drum n bass influence on “fire sign oath” is contrasted with this colourful synth melody and keiyaa’s lush vocals too. the smooth synth melody on “motions” are beautiful, with sensual lyrics hoping her love interest sees her devotion for them. the heavy, thumping drumming on “break it” are incredible. the bassline on “thirsty” is so good, as the beat, as on other tracks, shifts emphatically between 808 drums and live drum instrumentation. the thick synth leads of “devotions” are meditative, as keiyaa has existential thoughts about life and whether this is all worth it. the slow-paced and subtle energy on “nobody show” is soothing, while the closer “until we meet again” is my shit, and probably my favourite off the album. the first part features sweet, empowering synths and a rumbling energy, while the second half has impeccable drumming and percussion. it’s a rhythmic, jazzy masterpiece, as she questions whether we should start again. it’s a powerful and emphatic way to close the album out. i absolutely love hooke’s law. her music often feels like a collage of different ideas and compositions, all tied together by keiyaa’s stunning vocals and musings on life. the more i listen to it, the more enamoured i am with the compositions and the way she’s able to arrange and sequence each part of it. and it sounds fucking incredible. so thank you, keiyaa!

the album: