Roseaux, the French collective of Emile Omar, Clément Petit and Alex Finkin, decide to switch things up a tad with the new Roseaux II. While their 2012 debut was most notable for its cover song approach and featuring names like Aloe Blacc helping out on the vocals, this time out they embark on original songs.
The resulting mix of jazz, soul, African pop and bossa nova sounds are effective, as are the guest appearances. Montreal's Mélissa Laveaux enters the fray with the jazz-bop of the standout track "You Can Discover," Cameroon's Blick Bassy comes strong on the keys-grounded "Mè Ni Wè," and the contemplative "Waves of Sorrow" utilizes Olle Nyman to great effect.
Aloe Blacc returns with the swing, swagger and spirituality of "Daily Bread," a track that, while effective, feels like it could have shifted into an even higher gear. A track like Blick Bassy's "Kaät" makes up for it, a playful number that feels fresh, adventurous and genuine. Roseaux II is on to something with their musical approach and hits the mark.
(Tôt ou Tard)The resulting mix of jazz, soul, African pop and bossa nova sounds are effective, as are the guest appearances. Montreal's Mélissa Laveaux enters the fray with the jazz-bop of the standout track "You Can Discover," Cameroon's Blick Bassy comes strong on the keys-grounded "Mè Ni Wè," and the contemplative "Waves of Sorrow" utilizes Olle Nyman to great effect.
Aloe Blacc returns with the swing, swagger and spirituality of "Daily Bread," a track that, while effective, feels like it could have shifted into an even higher gear. A track like Blick Bassy's "Kaät" makes up for it, a playful number that feels fresh, adventurous and genuine. Roseaux II is on to something with their musical approach and hits the mark.