Soulful RnB vocals cascade through a quiet and thoughtful mix. Erthe St. James blends organic, tribal rhythms and Gospel vibes, with a conceptual poignancy that’s bold and beautiful, for the sensational new album Soul Nepotism.
Creating out of Chicago, Illinois, Erthe St. James clearly brings something authentic and original to modern RnB. The album’s intro is raw and intoxicating, and Saved by the Bell(S) follows on with style and a kind of sharp performative charm.
It’s a hugely engaging and fresh sound, a great rhythm and faultless vocals united, with a lyrical prowess that’s inventive and heartfelt. We even get twists of expression in these warped synths, bells, guitars and wind instruments, but everything is subtle and complementary to the central idea and performance.
Conceptually Erthe St. James continues to celebrate the album as an artform, with moments like Intro, Reprise, Freedom and Outro, all building further on the soulful intentions and inspiration for the project.
Elsewhere superb rhythm and bass-play lights up the energetic flair of Cocky (Can’t Tell Me Nothing), an absolute earworm and loaded with stage-ready swagger, followed by the softer funk tones of The Kite – another compelling lyrical venture.
We’re in a kind of creatively free, broadly influenced realm of artistry, noting hints of stylistic traits akin to Frank Ocean, Prince, J.Cole, and plenty more. Ultimately though, the Erthe St. James sound is distinct and purposeful, impressing and entertaining, and also blends sheer confidence and Faith quite beautifully throughout.
Black In Wild is an atmospheric, trip-hop-like highlight, along with the brighter nostalgic adlibs and unity of a captivating Under My Bridge. After which, the fluidity and blissful choir sounds of Cleaning My House make for another unexpected highlight, but a refreshingly modest, natural, almost freestyle one.
In every case, Erthe St. James masters the space, the arrangement and featured artists throughout this album helping secure its role as one of the year’s most enjoyable and inspiring original projects.
“I’ll tell you what freedom is to me… No Fear.”
Download Soul Nepotism via Apple. Find Erthe St. James on Facebook & Instagram.
