Lauren Ackie – Genesis EP review
It is an exciting time for British R&B and soul at the moment, with fresh talent emerging from every corner of the scene. Artists are working hard to carve out a unique space and sound for themselves, and among them is singer Lauren Ackie.
Hailing from north-west London, Ackie‘s 2015 debut EP Blackout garnered some attention, but much less than it deserved. Since its release, Ackie has dedicated her time to fine-tuning her craft by releasing remixes and refixes showcasing her effortless vocals and ability. Her ‘In Those Jeans’ remix (originally by Ginuwine) features a mash-up of your favourite 90s and noughties R&B songs, and was the release that got the Twittersphere talking.
Now, a couple of years on from her debut release, with a growing fan base, her new EP, Genesis, shows just how much she has grown in creative confidence.
Ackie’s sound is distinctive – much like Teedra Moses. There is a complex simplicity to her music. Produced predominantly by Sunny Kale (who has worked with artists such as Eric Bellinger and Stormzy), his crisp beats are powerful, but do not overwhelm. This allows space for Ackie’s vocals to truly shine and ride the wave of his melodies.
Ackie’s vocals on Genesis are laced with echo effects that are eerie, yet warm. Each track boasts flawless harmonies and adoring ad-libs, which add to the overarching reflective feel of the EP. In true 90s R&B fashion, the need for love and acceptance are the themes that dominate this project. Tracks such as ‘Calling You’ are reminiscent of old-school Ciara, while ‘I Need You’ and ‘Love Me’ mirror a similar vibe to Vivian Green. The final track on the EP is ‘Escape’, and whilst it ends quite abruptly, the unanswered questions in the track will simply leave you wanting more. Between her velvet vocals and quirky style, it is just a matter of time before Ackie transforms the British R&B scene for the better.
4/5
Genesis EP is out now, self-released by Lauren Ackie.
If you like this artist, check out: Teedra Moses; Ray Blk.
Image: courtesy of Lauren Ackie