The Stockholm-based, British-born Nigerian creative Joshua Idehen’s Mum Does The Washing EP is a breath of fresh air for listeners who crave thoughtful lyricism and social commentary. Known for his collaborations with jazz and alternative music heavyweights like The Comet Is Coming and Sons of Kemet, Idehen’s latest solo work pairs spoken word with electronic and dance influences in a way that feels intimate and reflective, even if you don’t usually gravitate toward club sounds.
The opening piece, title-track ‘Mum Does The Washing’, is a standout. Here, the multi-disciplinary’s spoken word captures the down-to-earth wisdom of a mother explaining life’s complexities one piece of laundry at a time. With warmth and wit, Idehen finds poetry in everyday routines.
‘Could Be Forever’ shifts to a more serious tone, inspired by real stories of self-sacrifice and devotion. With a pared-back, almost reverent soundscape, Idehen paints a picture of two individuals’ quiet acts of love and resilience. This track transcends its musical structure, becoming a tribute to those whose quiet efforts often go unseen.
On focus track ‘Tactics For Survival’, a minimalist piano line by Estonian pianist Hanakiv becomes the foundation for Idehen’s reflections on coping. Here, the EP’s subtle electronic elements add a hypnotic pulse, capturing the resilience of communities during the pandemic in a way that resonates even beyond dance floors.
Finally, Idehen closes with a reimagined cover of Talking Heads’ ‘Once In A Lifetime’, blending existential wonder with an almost spiritual energy.
Mum Does The Washing is as much poetry as it is music, perfect for anyone who values storytelling and social insight.
You can also find focus track ‘Tactics For Survival’ in our Outsiders Club and Electro Feels playlist.
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