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$10.99 CD
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RHYE
Woman
(Republic)
 "The Fall"
"Shed Some Blood"
I've got to go on record here stating that I'm very happy and excited that there's suddenly been a new crop of bands and artists mining the sounds of '80s and '90s quiet storm R&B for inspiration, from the xx to Jessie Ware, inc. to even the Weeknd. Add to that list Rhye, who made a minor splash last year with a few EPs and singles that slipped out under heavy anonymity; much speculation was made over their identities, their genders, their intentions, and with the release of their excellent debut album, Woman, one thing is clear: these are some smooth-ass white boys. The duo updates the sleek, jazzy, synthesized soul of obvious touchstones like Sade and Loose Ends (if you don't know Loose Ends, LOOK THEM UP -- you'll thank me later), and reworks the sound palette just enough with nods toward the skeletal modern-pop frameworks of the xx and Mount Kimbie.
What I'm most reminded of, though, is Scritti Politti circa Songs to Remember and White Bread Black Beer, where tender, slightly effeminate/gender ambiguous vocals roll around under silken, sonic bed sheets. These tracks gently glide forward with beats that softly massage, anchoring vocal harmonies, strings that float like cirrus clouds, and quiet woodwind and brass interjections. Nothing is superfluous, and everything is arranged with a sophistication that firmly establishes a mood -- that of the euphoria of love -- and never lets it waver, only sway. Singer Mike Milosh frequently reminds me of Arto Lindsay in solo mode (there's absolutely none of the glottal sound poetry of his work with DNA or Ambitious Lovers), their gentle yet confident whispered croons making heads woozy, and the arrangements also lean at times toward a weightless bossa nova bounce that greatly benefits the summery vibes of the album on the whole. If you've been enjoying the recent debut by inc., consider this the sunny-side-up flipside to no world's shadowy afterhours goth soul. Both artists work in similar palettes of sensuality, and both are unafraid to swap the macho, alpha posturing of the Weeknd or Drake (in which they throw a designer jacket of hackneyed sensitivity over some pretty questionable and douchey behavior), yet both display an equal attention to atmosphere and subtlety in their song craft that may not sink in at first listen.
This is an album that gives greater rewards the longer you spend time with it; I've had this on steady repeat for a few weeks now, and it's giving me one of the most furious cases of spring fever I've felt since my teenage years. Don't be surprised if you hear this record everywhere upon the arrival of warmer climates; these guys have come strong with their debut, including all of the killer cuts from those prior EPs, as well as deeper tracks that flesh out their sound just enough without distracting from the whole. I'm in love with this album, and if like me you're down for some sweet, soulful, tender pop, you might just fall for it as well. [IQ] |
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