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Rating: * * * *
Verdict: Music for warming up winter, but summer's just around the corner
There's a beautiful moment on the cutely titled song Peachy Pooh when Auckland-based singer Nat Rose breaks effortlessly into te reo, with an electronic bongo beat and flighty flute backing her, then back into English again. This seamless transition sums up the smooth mood of her debut album Golden Hour. It's in keeping with the deep, soulful vibes of Fat Freddy's Drop, the Open Souls and Hollie Smith.
However, what makes it distinct are songs like Reporua and the long and loping last track Beautifully Deadly where there are hints of steely yet seductive soul, akin to an artist like Erykah Badu.
If anything, the album is on the short side, with the wah wah guitar infused Yeyay and the slinky and gorgeous Irie Member nothing more than interludes.
But if you like your soul music meaty, delicious and healthy, Golden Hour is for you.
Scott Kara
