Yves Jarvis Raises His Voice for Captivating Album
Yves Jarvis beefs up the Polaris Prize-winning album All Cylinders with more songs for a new release. It’s the sound of the experimental becoming accessible.
alternative r&b
Sudan Archives’ ‘The BPM’ Delivers Dancefloor-Ready Anthems
Sudan Archives’ The BPM is a high-tech, futuristic odyssey, full of heaving, sweaty, dance-floor-ready anthems. It’s also an intensely human record
keiyaA Finds Strength in Stretching Out on ‘hooke’s law’
Much of hooke’s law is a cry for help from the voice within. keiyaA says she would do anything to see god or find a purpose. Like a spring, she is resilient.
Blood Orange’s ‘Essex Honey’ Paints a Vivid Picture of Grief
Nothing on Blood Orange’s new album is a throwaway, because it fulfills a deep need within his creative soul. It’s also profoundly beautiful and deeply cathartic.
Decoding the Rap-Comic Complex in Childish Gambino’s Final LP
Through a dystopian plot, Childish Gambino’s final record attempts to narrate his insecurity, as opposed to its raw, uncomplicated exploration in Atavista.
Office Culture’s Sprawling New LP “Finds Beauty in the Shrapnel”
On the occasion of Office Culture’s ambitious fourth album, Winston Cook-Wilson talks about collaboration, influences, and making dumb sounds on a synthesizer.
Jordan Rakei Reflects on His Life So Far on ‘The Loop’
The Loop emerges as a worthwhile musical journey in which soul-pop’s Jordan Rakei reveals some universal truths he’s unearthed in his ongoing life story.
Niecy Blues’ ‘Exit Simulation’ Is the Sound of a Singular Artist
Niecy Blues’ Exit Simulation is a breathtaking and immaculate creative statement, expanding R&B. It will lay down fire and love in innumerable hearts and minds.
James Blake Revisits His Roots on ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’
Playing Robots Into Heaven is ultimately a flawed album, but at times it’s a worthwhile foray for James Blake into more beat-led, dancefloor-friendly music.
Little Dragon Return With Slinky and Assured ‘Slugs of Love’
Drawing from disco, funk, and R&B, Little Dragon’s Slugs of Love is genre-crossing music, achieving an artful balance of danceable tunes and reflective moods.
U.S. Girls ‘Bless This Mess’ Embraces Materiality, Creativity, and Dance Grooves
In Bless This Mess, U.S. Girls identify funk and R&B grooves as conduits for the very pulse of life. It’s brilliantly conceived and executed.
Kelela Trades Hooks for Atmosphere on Sensuous ‘Raven’
Returning from a five-year hiatus, Kelela’s Raven isn’t an explosive comeback for the alternative R&B singer but a downtempo reflection.