Pinch delivers an alternative take on urban Soul with an album that is as uncompromising yet mellow. Instead of using R&B cliches, ‘Underwater Dancehall’ draws on Dubstep for a fresher, less mannered sound.
The album opens with a double whammy, ‘Brighter Day’ with Juakali’s sharp Dancehall rap followed by the anthemic ‘Get Up’ featuring Yolanda’s silky soul vocals. The two tracks set the scope for ’Underwater Dancehall’, which is evenly split into streetwise toughness (’Gangstaz’, ‘Trauma’) and loungey soul goodness (’Angels In The Rain’, ‘Battered’).
Pinch keeps it mellow throughout. No pomp, no drama. Compared to contemporary R&B excurisons into Soul, ‘Underwater Dancehall’ is positively spartan. The bass is deep, the beats are tough and melodies develop without unnecessary diversions.
This is a truly massive album. Innovative and accessible at the same time.
Listen to the vocal and instrumental versions of ‘Underwater Dancehall’ and download the album from iTunes.
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