This month we have new music and two new EPs from our BLUES100 roster – Bellah and Jamilah, two sirens really heating up the R&B / Soul scene in the UK. In two very distinct musical lanes, but equally exceptional voices and overall talents. Gotts Street Park and Mnelia also gift new music and projects to give a spin. Plus our picks of the best new tunes in our ever-fresh On The Wave playlist below.
Bellah – The Art of Conversation
The very talented singer / songwriter, Bellah, this month released her second EP of 2020 ‘The Art of Conversation’. The 7 track project is the follow up to her breakout, ‘In The Meantime’ released in June.
‘The Art of Conversation’ is a real marker of Bellah’s all-around progression as an artist and fully cements her name in the ever-evolving UK R&B scene. Throughout the EP, Bellah displays effortless vocals merged with soulful heartwarming songs. Lyrically, the songs evoke an array of feelings as she touches on the varied aspects of love, life and relationships.
Production on the project is a varied, wonderful mix yet never feeling disjointed. From the dreamy percussion displayed on ‘Supernova’, the soulfully inspired intro track ‘Home’ to the more up-beat catchy vibe on ‘Cause U Can’, Bellah delivers a 20 minute EP with huge replay value!
Jamilah Barry – Romance Me EP
Jamilah Barry is back with her first project since her well-received, ‘Salix Babylonica’ in 2018. ‘Romance Me’ is a short 4 track EP that showcases Jamilah’s laid-back yet seductively soulful side.
Those not yet familiar with Jamilah Barry are in for a treat as ‘Romance Me’ shows a nice blend of modern soul with each track showing something different. The idea of romance and what it entails runs throughout the EP as the title firmly suggests. That said, it is the way in which this theme is intertwined sonically which should be lauded. The production, by Midnight Phunk, is daringly eclectic with dark electronic undertones and in many ways goes against the grain of modern Soul.
Speaking on the EP, she adds, “… one of the biggest and most revelatory relationships we can have is the one with ourselves. And sometimes we further our discovery and learning about ourselves when we enter romantic relationships with others. We learn more about ourselves and the ways in which we show or want and need to be shown love. This EP is basically a walk through the different stages of a fictional romance. No filter, no cap, and no flukes. Just pure love shit.”
‘Romance Me’ does exactly what it says on the tin and then some. Jamilah well and truly reels you in for more with the less is more approach and we look forward to seeing what she offers us with next!
Gotts Street Park – Volume Two
The eclectic Leeds-based band Gotts Street Park released their long awaited new EP, simply titled Volume Two this month. It’s been 3 years since Volume One but this is well and truly worth the wait.
The band went for a more up-tempo aesthetic on the EP with influences of Soul, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Jazz evident throughout. This direction is also portrayed with the features on the eight-track EP. With the likes of Rosie Lowe, Zilo and Pip Millett all adding unique elements to the project.
Gotts Street Park, are in many ways bringing alternative neo-soul to life in their own unique way. From its very vintage feel sonically tracks to its melodically soulful themes Volume Two has something for everyone. Something which is successfully pulled off without the flow of the project being compromised. The EP in no area feels forced or out of place making for a delightful 24 minute listen.
Mnelia – After 6 EP
After dropping easily one of be baddest R&B tracks of 2020 on ‘Say Yeah’ the stupendously talented Mnelia is back with a new EP titled ‘After 6’.
The 4 track EP provides us with a sneak peak into Mnelia’s ability to not only make big riddims but also how to translate this across a body of work.
The EP kicks off with ‘On & On’. A smooth head bopper which allows Mnelia’s vocal harmonies to steal the show. Next up is ‘Back To You’, that hits you with its mesmerising beat from the jump. Mnelia here, touches on the theme of giving second chances in love which she does effortlessly.
At the project’s midway point Mnelia transitions into her big anthem bag on ‘Shoot’. A track you simply cannot just play once without pulling it up a good couple times (if not more!). ‘Shoot’ exemplifies everything Mnelia brings to the game. Nostalgic R&B with her undeniable twist. ‘Shoot’ is a big tune that puts to bed any idea that Mnelia is a flash in the pan artist. ‘Ro’s Lullaby’ closes out the EP soulfully well with the track dedicated to Mnelia’s child. The track is simply soothing with Mnelia’s vocals delicately floating across a calmingly soulful beat.
To conclude, ‘After 6’ is short and sweet but remains punchy throughout. In addition, the EP plays its role in re-engaging her fanbase whilst getting us geared for what is to come in 2021.
