Camden New Journal - Music: Mutya Buena

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The Review - MUSIC - grooves with RóISíN GADELRAB
Published: 25 June 2009

Let’s not Suga-coat it, must do better

REVIEW: MUTYA BUENA
Jazz Cafe

MUTYA Buena was always the most intriguing member of the Sugababes.
Turning her back on Suga-pop, she has since set herself up as a sophisticated urban girl. Her entrance was low key, her chatter and giggling disarming. Her voice is appealing but crucially lacks a cutting edge.
The gig suffered slightly from session-musician-itus. The sound didn’t demand attention and a couple of the musicians played with the enthusiasm of a Northern Line rush-hour commuter.
But Buena’s heart was certainly in it, albeit without the aggression or poise the crowd sought.
Agent X is a lilting and melodic piece, leagues from Sugababes pop, but it came across as half-baked. Buena should take some credit for pulling it off – the studio version is heavily produced and performing it live was a potential minefield. Fast Car showcased her understated but intimate voice.
One-hit wonder Shola Ama appeared halfway through to croon late 90s classic You Might Need Somebody and perhaps here was Buena’s biggest error. The power of her guest’s voice, pulsing with beautifully controlled soul, slightly showed up her host.
Buena’s certainly successfully flown the Sugababe’s nest, but she’s not yet soaring.
william wilkes

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