Katalog

JAMES, LORAINE

REFLECTION (HYPERDUB)

JAMES, LORAINE - REFLECTION 145323
Format:
1 CD
Release:
02.07.2021
Label:
HYPERDUB
Genre:
Electro/Funk
Kat.-Nr.:
145323
Barcode:
5056321637376
Made during summer 2020, Loraine James' second Hyperdub album, `Reflection', is a turbulent expression of inner-space, laid out in unflinching honesty, offering gentle empathy and bitter-sweet hope.

`Reflection' further develops a unique pop sensibility realised on last year's `Nothing EP', while tones of Drill and R&B seep through into this collection too.

In contrast to the brash splashes of 2019's `For You And I' LP and the grimey anger of `Nothing', `Reflection' is pared-down and confident, taking the listener through how last year felt as a young black queer woman in a world that has suddenly stopped moving, the arc of the album peppered with Loraine's diaristic confessions.

Starting positively with the gentle pop-trap of `Built To Last' ft Xzavier Stone, into the bumpy instrumental of `Let's Go', the album switches tone with `Simple Stuff', followed by regular collaborator Le3 bLACK amplifying Loraine's vulnerability on the downcast drill of `Black Ting', then `Insecure Behaviour And Fuckery' is a techno glide which pairs Nova's confrontational plea for respect, delivered in monotone autotune, against deep Drexciyan chords.

With Baths on vocals, the weightlessness of `On The Lake Outside' soothes numb feelings, and Eden Samara explores the shadow world of anxious dreams on the airy R&B of `Running Like That'.

Closing track `We're Building Something New' with Manchester rapper Iceboy Violet brings the album together, confidently suggesting a new world is in reach.

`Reflection' is a brave step forward for a unique and creative 21st century musician.
 
  • Tracklisting
  • 1.1. BUILT TO LAST (FT XZAVIER STONE)
  • 1.2. LET'S GO
  • 1.3. SIMPLE STUFF
  • 1.4. BLACK TING (FT LE3 BLACK)
  • 1.5. INSECURE BEHAVIOUR AND FUCKERY (FT NOVA)
  • 1.6. SELF DOUBT (LEAVING THE CLUB EARLY)
  • 1.7. ON THE LAKE OUTSIDE (FT BATHS)
  • 1.8. REFLECTION
  • 1.9. CHANGE
  • 1.10. RUNNING LIKE THAT (FT EDEN SAMARA)
  • 1.11. WE'RE BUILDING SOMETHING NEW (FT ICEBOY VIOLET)