The notion of self-care often feels like a quaint relic in our frenetic, always-on world, an idea we endlessly postpone due to the unrelenting demands of work, family, and the sheer grind of daily existence.
Our devices’ incessant buzzing and our constant connection to the world have conditioned us to the point where the radical act of simply unplugging can feel like a herculean feat.
It’s into this landscape that Joya Mooi’s latest sonic offering, Don’t Answer, arrives like a balm for the perpetually overstimulated soul.
With her soulful vocals gliding over a breezy, undulating soundscape, she invites us to savour the delicious act of hitting the imaginary “pause” button on life’s frenetic pace.
But Don’t Answer is more than just a plea for self-care. Mooi’s lyrics are an enticing whisper, beckoning us away from the incessant pings and buzzes that so often dictate our lives.
A daring act of defiance against the tyranny of constant accessibility. In a world where we’re expected to be ever-present and ever-responsive, her voice becomes a deliciously subversive anthem, a melodic middle finger to the never-ending demands on our time and attention.
Yet this rebellious spirit is no mere polemic. Joya Mooi’s dulcet tones imbue the song with serenity, crafting a sonic sanctuary where we can bask in the simple pleasure of presence, of existing solely in the moment.
A reminder that sometimes the most radical act is to simply disengage and embrace the restorative power of solitude.
Musically, Don’t Answer is nuanced, showing restraint. Mooi’s vocals are the undisputed star, their warmth and intimacy enveloping the listener like a cherished friend’s embrace.
The production, by Easy Freak, demonstrates an exquisite understanding of space and silence.
Each element, from the airy synths to the insistent yet unobtrusive beats, serves as a subtle complement to Mooi’s vocal prowess, never overpowering but acting as a lush, inviting canvas against which her voice can truly shine.
In the end, Don’t Answer feels like a sonic manifesto, a rallying cry for those of us who crave moments of stillness amidst the chaos.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply to step back, to ignore the siren song of our devices, and to revel in the transformative power of silence.
So go ahead and let that call go unanswered. Joya Mooi has given you permission—an invitation—to embrace the restorative act of disconnecting.