Twenty seven-year-old singer/songwriter R.LUM.R released his debut EP “AFTERIMAGE” on Aug. 11. The project features three previously released singles, and three new songs. Photo Fair Use of vibe.com.
Singer/songwriter R.LUM.R, released his debut extended play record “AFTERIMAGE” on Aug. 11, in which he sings with emotion and showcases his raw talent through a broad range of genres.
Reggie Williams Jr., also known as R.LUM.R (pronounced R-Lamar), released his debut six-track project on Aug. 11. The extended play record, titled “AFTERIMAGE”, includes three previously released singles (Frustrated, Love Less, Close Enough) and three new ones (Bleed Into The Water, Learn, Suddenly).
Williams’ sound is similar to that of The Weeknd, mixed with 6LACK and Bryson Tiller. One could describe it as experimental or alt-R&B, although he really draws influence from virtually every genre one could imagine.
Although he is now being labeled as as R&B artist, Williams began his musical career as a classical guitarist, and studied music at Manatee School For the Arts, a public charter school in Palmetto, Fl. He thought he would pursue this focus, following in the footsteps of artists like John Mayer, but found his hidden talent in alternative R&B music when producing songs for Chris Brown and Jason Derulo.
This changed his career, as he soon released hit song “Frustrated” in 2016 which gained popularity through Spotify playlists such as “Are & Be” and “Chilled R&B,” earning over 20 million streams as of Aug. 21.
“Frustrated” is deserving of its success–the song holds a heavy beat balanced with Williams’ light, effortless falsetto and lyrics that flow. The song also sends an important message to listeners in what could be the best song on “AFTERIMAGE.”
In “Bleed Into The Water”, Williams blends rock influence and a heavy guitar bassline with electronic beats, while in “Learn”, a much more downtempo, mellow track is presented. This speaks to the diversity of his music and large range of genres Williams feels comfortable covering. He’s definitely not shy, shown through his openness in trying new things.
“Close Enough” holds an important message as well. The song is about a relationship that seems to be coming to an end, and Williams’ unhealthy attitude of not recognizing the right time to let go. Instead, he searches for positive things to rationalize the darker sides of the relationship. Williams sings “I wanna let you go but keep you close / I wanna quit you cold but overdose,” over a punchy beat that’s sure to get stuck in listener’s heads.
Williams’ music is very emotional and personal to him, which is why people connect to it so well, similar to Frank Ocean’s appeal. He’s unafraid to share his personal feelings with the world, and seems to thrive even more creatively when doing so. This embracement of his own vulnerability seems to help fans through their own, similar situations, which Williams says was his goal all along.
