Sylars Akhigbe’s Miracle Worker is a diet for catharsis

The soothing ambient chords that open Sylars Akhigbe’s latest and fifth studio release, Miracle Worker, set the tone for an immersive inspirational RnB experience. The rhythm of contemporary Christian gospel music usually swings in this direction for a worship track, and Sylars’ Miracle Worker attempts to magnify the intricacies behind such a fundamental approach.

Essentially a salutatorian message to God, Miracle Worker finds its biggest strength in its composition. Built minute by minute on complex pianos, guitars and percussion chord progressions that take off from the track’s mid-point. The song’s dazzling allure is its ability to lure, offsetting catharsis with the lo-fi effect of its opening minutes just before Sylar’s alto recharges the song’s vibrance by the third minute. From the 4th minute: “We call you Yahwey/ Saviour of the whole world/ We’ve come here to bow down, proclaim your name and declare…” Sylars’ charismatic glissando keeps the record alive, tucking in spoken word prayers until a subtle decrescendo.

The track would definitely find its most brilliant shine during a live performance, while the listening effect of the song measures closely but could survive better on a stronger closing. The backing falsetto that attempts to end the song 30-seconds to finish line appears a bit too faint and also urgently paced to bolster the outro.
However, the song is also ridden with soothing transitions that, sometimes, rest on instrumental solos from each major instrument used, and, other times, on Sylars’ cadence, riding the momentum strongly towards the end, ultimately evoking a strong replay value.

Sylars’ discography largely reflects his compositional interests, with every track curated with riveting transitions, especially songs like “Oh Nigeria”, “Praise Gyration”, among others.

Another pleasure-point on Miracle Worker is Sylars’ sonority, a strong focus puller to the song’s harmony. The entire recording feels like a tender embrace, one that seeks to soothe. And as far as contemporary Christian gospel worship tracks go, it’s a defiant and avant-garden attempt. Perhaps, its verses could work with more lyricism, if the track was entirely composed for listening pleasure; nonetheless, its pace, breathing space and instrumentation help it to still thrive as a multifunctional record. A solid record, one hued with rich melodies and an impressive structure.

Sylars Akhigbe is a Social Entrepreneur connecting communities through the Universal Language of Music under the auspices of The Melody & Soul Project C.I.C.

Having led contemporary choirs of about 800 singers, and performed at massive religious conventions, sometimes, spanning crowds of over 20,000 people, Sylars has dedicated his artistry to harnessing the power of music to unite and uplift key aspects of the communities (Hospitals, Schools, Religious places, Care Homes & Day Centres.

Through innovative projects, partnerships and initiatives under the auspices of The Melody & Soul Project C.I.C., he is creating platforms that use music as a tool to bring positive impact on Stress Reduction, Mood Enhancement, Cognitive Function & Physical Rehabilitation to the community. His work not only creates empowerment opportunities for creative youths to explore their talents, develop confidence, and contribute to a greater sense of collective identity but also serves as a force for good, enhancing the well-being of the community through therapeutic musical sessions while driving positive change.