The 2017 debut from London-born, Paris-based singer ALA.NI received critical acclaim for its refreshing fusion of century-old styles from a capella jazz to cabaret. For its follow-up, she's adopted a more modern, groove-forward palette, creating a hypnotic world comprised almost entirely of her own voice, which The Fader calls "sultry, acrobatic." She layers it to choral effect, pitches downward to resemble bass, and beatboxes for percussion. When she does add outside sounds, it's with precise placement: a string quartet, a bass clarinetist, Iggy Pop reciting French poetry on "Le Diplomate" and actor/rapper Lakeith Stanfield adding a verse to "Van P." The album is self-produced and self-released.
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