APPAREL REVIEW:

Rosie From The Block
Love Potions For Block Parties
[Vice City]


The reason why this record by Rosie From The Block caught our attention is a no brainer. We have always had a penchant for this kind of broken beats, melodies, soulful vocals and, generally, for this specific sonic attitude rooted in Britain in the late nineties and early 00’s.

The truth is that Roselien (the Belgian artist’s alternative moniker) has also been one the young faces of the London Jazz/Soul/R&B scene, so we guess this new electronic experience it’s a rather natural transition for her, at least that’s what comes across from her stunning three-track EP Love Potions For Block Parties, out soon (vinyl) on the imprint Vice City. The confidence with which she modernises those classical rhythm sections, harmonic arrangements, bass/vocal lines is remarkable and, at the same time, an omen of the infinite musical possibilities that such a talent can bring. Talking about the record, what I appreciate the most about it is the minimalism, the non-exaggeration of those sonic concepts that we learnt to love in the past. It’s so easy to fall into the temptation of emphasising, fabricating and overdoing, while is a much bigger challenge to keep it simple and effective, in terms of sound research, beat programming and vocal production. This record, since it’s groovy opening track ‘You Are Loved’, then with the Deep-er/smoother feel of ‘Let Me Be’ and the final classy ’No Matter What’, is an ode to the power of simplicity, where simplicity (and its effectiveness) stands for the best possible compliment. Well done Rosie From The Block for her new EP ‘Love Potions For Block Parties’ and to her label Vice City for powering the project. Thanks for the vibes!