Loraine James' 2019 Hyperdub debut, For You and I, was a startlingly original set of restless, boundary-crashing tracks that immediately established the Londoner as one of the most creative electronic producers around. Constantly active with a prolific stream of EPs, remixes, and compilation tracks, her second album for Kode9's esteemed label appeared in 2021. Like its predecessor, Reflection is an eclectic release mirroring James' multicultural upbringing, as well as a deeply personal expression of her identity as a queer ...
Read More
Loraine James' 2019 Hyperdub debut, For You and I, was a startlingly original set of restless, boundary-crashing tracks that immediately established the Londoner as one of the most creative electronic producers around. Constantly active with a prolific stream of EPs, remixes, and compilation tracks, her second album for Kode9's esteemed label appeared in 2021. Like its predecessor, Reflection is an eclectic release mirroring James' multicultural upbringing, as well as a deeply personal expression of her identity as a queer Black woman. The angular, skeletal beats of "Simple Stuff" frame her muted thoughts, essentially saying that she's the same as everyone else. "Self Doubt (Leaving the Club Early)" addresses stifling anxiety, and as the beats become more bunched up and aggressive, the synth tones become more delicate and soothing, seemingly expressing the relief of escaping to solitude once one's social battery has run out. The stark, minimal "Reflection" clearly references the pressures of pandemic-induced isolation, as James pines for friends, family, and house parties, feeling like the walls are caving in. Twice as many tracks on Reflection feature guest collaborators than on For You and I, and the songs with Xzavier Stone, Le3 bLack, and Iceboy Violet are closer to U.K. drill than James' past work, with sprinkled, atmospheric melodies and twisted beats backing emotionally vulnerable rhymes. Baths provides poetic lyrics and intricate self-harmonies over the erratic beats and icy, rippling synths of "On the Lake Outside." The album's coolest, most refreshing track is "Running Like That," a Jessy Lanza-like R&B tune with Eden Samara's sweetly nudging vocals ("It's not that difficult, just open your mouth and say something") floating over busy beats that seem slightly apprehensive. This mixture of confidence and nervousness is present throughout James' music, and it's part of what makes it so honest and relatable. Reflection doesn't quite have the shock of the new that For You and I did, but its best moments are still powerful, and it would be impossible to mistake the album for anyone else's perspective. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi
Read Less
Portions of content provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2024 Rovi Corporation.