Julee Cruise-esque in the lush tones and sense of mystery, Jett Kwong’s “Cream” has subtle layers of sound that weave in and out of the song in a marvel of subtle dynamics between vocals, synth and the exquisite sound of the guzheng. Though the song brims over with unique melodies from the mix of instrumentation and Kwong’s especially expressive and versatile vocals at its center is a commentary about the dangers of romanticizing another person and of an era or a culture as has often happened with the West and Westerners and Asia and Asians. That complexity of intent and musicality gives the song a not so obvious depth that makes repeated listens so rewarding. Has Kwong transmogrified elements of Edward Said and Frantz Fanon into the creative alchemy behind this song? Only she knows but whatever the case it’s a pleasant surprise to hear a gorgeous pop song with an experimental edge and a non-didactic socio-political subtext.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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