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So many times since my absence from blogging, I'd thought of returning just to let my visitors know what I've been vibing to. Loads of great releases from singles to EPs & LPs, free releases and paid for gems that I've been inundated with, and all have truly been taking me a minute to get through. Finally after six weeks, I return with a notable mention - a rising underground voice that rightfully deserves his spotlight. Known as Ghetto_Falsetto via twitter, Arizona native, now New York resident, Nicholas Ryan Gant steps out on a good foot with his debut, Promises (5-22-12). Filled with that electro soul/hip hop fused sound that I've come to really appreciate, NRG wraps his soft crooning pipes around every key, bassline synth and drumbeat that surrounds him. NRG takes on relationships setting the sex filled tales aside and gives focus to one of past loves (New Day), change (Whirlwind), trust (Good Thing), freedom (Liberty) and of course promises (Promises).
Leading off the album "Disclosure" kicks with a nice dub type vibe which sets the mood for NRG's introspective narrative, admitting to the world his flawed ways which in turn is damaging to his own self, but God has mercy on him despite that. "Good Thing" "Memory" and "Over Us/Convo With Queen Godis" with its house inspired groove all get the body moving, and NRG laces them all showcasing his controlled ranges which never slip considering the fact he sings in his upper register quite a bit throughout the album.
Delivering thirteen tracks with only one to my dislike, NRG closes his gem outing with a superb track so vastly different from all the rest. "You Are" is a jazz lovers dream, backed by a beautifully played piano and NRG's caressing tone seems to set the stage for an EP or just a string of other works to come in a different direction. Upon first listen traditional R&B/Soul music fans may not get what NRG has crafted with his choice of production, but for those of us who follow the sound, Promises is a love story descriptive of all its wins and fails which in a whole doesn't fail. You can stream "Memory" and "Over Us/Convo With Queen Godis" with it's house inspired style here, and if that's not convincing enough with respect for the artist, I've provided snippets of two others. "Thought of You" which sounds like Pete Rock may have produced it and the beautiful "You Are." Thank you Nicholas for gifting me. You will get supported. I encourage you all to do the same.
Nicholas Ryan Gant - Thought of You ft. Marion Ross (snippet)
Nicholas Ryan Gant - You Are (Snippet)
