Review Summary: Crisp soul melodies over meditative electronics.
A name originating in 2012 out of anonymity from a handful of songs posted to the internet with an identity shrouded in mystery, Rhye’s blend of R&B vocals and minimal electro-dance was later revealed to be the collaborative work of Canadian singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Milosh and Danish singer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Robin Hannibal. It didn’t take long for the duo to go from just working on a remix of a song together, to releasing their debut album
Woman that effectively showcases all of their abilities without overpowering each other.
Woman is an album that’s equally soothing downtempo jazz and dreamy lounge music. From the soft harp to the sax solos,
Woman is all around relaxing chillout tracks, with charred harmonies that gives the album an alleviating caress. The tone is always tender and refrained, the vibes always content and sensual, and in that way it will bring listeners to a serene paradise-like state of mind that’s free of stress and burden.
It’s impressive how much of a full-rounded sound
Woman has, but with two multi-instrumentalists/producers throwing in everything but the kitchen sink, and knowing exactly how and where to use all these horns and strings in a way that feels natural, it’s really no surprise how well this album was handled. There seems to be a natural chemistry between Milosh and Hannibal presented by
Woman, where despite both being used to managing the music they make by themselves in their solo work, there never feels like there’s conflicting ideas or a struggle for dominance on
Woman.
Everything falls neatly into place, and the result is a very well-crafted debut of soul-tinged indie electronic music that will hopefully blossom into more collaborations of the same caliber.
