Rating: NNNN
Katy B’s debut LP sees the 21-year-old UK songstress thoroughly exploring the faces of dance music, sounding fresh and effectively repurposed since her last North American outing. She lends her coy, inviting vocals to everything from deep house on Hard To Get, to dubstep on the title track, trip-hop (yes, really) on the fantastic Disappear and UK funky on Lights On with Ms. Dynamite.
Katy B’s main appeal is twofold. First of all, she can sing. Her LDN falsetto sounds at home on pretty much everything. Second, she knows her audience – bassheads and R&B fans. By aligning herself with UK production heavyweights like Benga, Geeneus, Skream, Magnetic Man and DJ Zinc, Katy effectively closes the door on similar artists trying to replicate her sound. Also notable: On A Mission’s song arrangement is spot on and completely avoids the awkward transitions that can dog “genre-defying” projects. A must-have.
Top track: Lights On