IT will take you a touch under five minutes to fall in love with Jess Harlen.
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That’s the length of the exquisite opener, Meanwhile, from the Melbourne-via-New Zealand soul sister’s debut album.
With a voice that beckons you, Harlen has teamed up with prominant hip-hop producer Plutonic Lab who delivers a sound unlike anything he’s crafted before.
Focusing more on real instrumentation, Plutonic creates a warm and inviting platform for Harlen to work her magic.
Part silky soul, part roots and subtly urban, Harlen’s sound can shift from organic (the memorable and breezy Watch The Water) to the gritty (the vocally outstanding Diamonds).
The Duffy-esque Heaven’s Lesson is a must-listen as is Lover Come Find Me with Natalie Pa’apa’a and the wonderfully-textured Take Me Where.
RATING: ★★★★½
IN SHORT: Complete
