The Nottingham-born reggae/soul artist Liam Bailey has released his new album Ekundayo, 6 years after the release of his debut, Definitely Now. Produced by the co-founder of the label, Leon Michels, Ekyndayo is Bailey's first album on NY independent soul label Big Crown. Despite the majority of the record existing in the reggae world that Bailey grew up listening to, the first track on the new record, 'Awkward', sees him venture into an entirely fresh soundscape to what we've previously heard. Firstly, no off-beat guitar hits, but instead, an analogue sounding, springy beat, with snug organ laid over the top. Bailey's vocals are soulful and passionate as ever, and effected with a modern vocoder, bringing the track into the world of modern R&B. With previous works always having a retro feel, the use of modern elements in 'Awkward' are a pleasant surprise, and showcases Liam Bailey's versatility. Check out 'Awkward' and the rest of Ekyndayo, out now on Big Crown. -Ellie Rose-Davies