To say that newcomer Lin’s Epistles To You is by far the most delightful Gospel release by a debutant in the past few years would be a huge understatement. HUGE!

Haven’t heard of her? Then brace yourself!

Epistles To You is the unveiling of local neo-soul and alternative music artist Lin. With brilliant song-writing, it features solid production from the likes of Gideon Kimanzi, Gittx and Just A Band vocalist/producer Blinky Bill. Lin shines where many fail. Where a good number of our local acts attempt neo-soul with as much success as John McCain’s presidential bid, Lin is graceful and effortless – at no time do you feel like she is trying to over-achieve. Not given to vocal acrobatics, she is simple. She is totally comfortable within her own skin. She is brilliant!

Take Brand New Eyes for instance, the album’s lead single. A syrupy mid-tempo song where her ability to beautifully blend English and Kalenjin lyrics on a neo-soul cut, all the while remaining highly inspirational, will undoubtedly endear her to many.
It helps that her CD is enhanced, and includes an elegant music video. The album actually gets it’s name off this single. Even though she admits to not being an apostle, she passionately speaks of writing her own epistle to God, yet still doing the great things the Apostles did. Check out the hook:

Gorgeous is very aptly named. The only true urban song on the album, this track is gorgeous in more ways than one. It’s a radio ready R&B song that every single female should get their hands on. Very inspirational, it is based on Psalms 139:14, where we are reminded that we are “wonderfully and fearfully made”. In a world where ladies are often put down, both by themselves and others, this song reacquaints them with their own beauty, both inner and outer, reminding that they are stronger than they think - they are gorgeous!

Blinky Bill chips in with production on Paint Me Yellow, where, talking of her favourite colour, Lin encourages all to make God the painter of our lives. You must really not be listening if you miss the  Erykah Badu/Jill Scott influence here. Two versions exist for Kingdom’s Call, a track produced by Rhyme X hitman Gittx – the radio version and an additional acoustic version.

The sleeper track on the album must be Kipsengwet. Out and out the album’s best written song, it has a decidedly happy and sunny disposition; small wonder the song title translates to “Heaven”. The combination of English, Swahili and Kalenjin lyrics produces on of the best adverts for a fusion of world and African styles. Very nice.

Ultimately, Epistles To You is a great accomplishment. It not only highlights an artist who is daring and unafraid to step out the box, but also one whose tenderness and affinity for her faith are on glorious display. We cannot say enough good things about this album.

We can however tell you that the album is a little short on tracks; only seven deep. And even though the bright moments still shine brilliantly enough to make it more than a worthwhile buy, a longer record, especially with a little more cheerful and sunny material, could ultimately have produced more gems.

The album will soon be available at all Nu-Metro outlets. Do what you need to do. Get a copy!

:: Click HERE to read her BIO

:: Click HERE to download her latest single, Brand New Eyes

:: Click HERE to view her video 

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