Hael Husaini’s attention-grabbing ascent is fuelled by his innovative take on Malay pop sounds. He subverts its lyrical tropes as much as he deploys its production values. Songs like the duology of “Jampi” and “Haram” encapsulate the melodrama of Malay balladry while subtly hinting at unspoken desires. Composer and collaborator Ezra Kong adds flourishes such as jazzy theatrics (“Hajat”) and brassy pop (“Hati”), yet Hael’s magnetic performances are a constant throughout.