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True Groove artist Lael Summer is back with her newest EP, Life in Color. Once again backed by producer Tomás Doncker, the sound is rawer and harder than before, and there’s less of a focus on soulful melodies here than just pure grooves. Only the acoustic “Count My Blessings” comes close to the full beauty of previous releases, laden with lush orchestration.
Otherwise, there’s a lean, urban vibe to songs like “Nothing Better” with cold synth lines reminiscent of The Cars. There’s also a growing electronic influence as well, with the final track “Dream Machine” seemingly existing solely for the purpose of its irresistible disco beat; it’s lyrics essentially boiling down to a recitation of “Dem Bones.”
“Unavailable” is one of the best here, a gritty callback to the dirty Memphis soul of Stax Records, and the title track “Life In Color” is certainly an apt title, as it is bold and alive, guided in part with bright, resplendent horns. Life In Color may be short, but it is by far Summer’s most concise and tightest release in a while. The entire EP is one fun, energetic performance, and it’s another one not to miss by the performer, out June 23rd.
