Staff Picks Blog
This is an album of hushed, chill R&B/soul vocals over danceable electronic and drum-kit beats all wrapped in outer space synths. Singer Yukimi Nagano’s jazzy vocals are the obvious draw for first-time listeners; her notes are clear with a bit of swagger and she refrains from the obnoxious diva runs that I get tired of hearing. I usually tend to focus on lyrics but with Ritual Union I don’t think I could recite a line, instead it’s more about the song’s attitude. It is an album that requires low lights and the trendiest cocktail you can afford, but feel free to keep your Chucks on.
I’ve definitely been wearing this album out all summer and I’m ashamed I missed the group at Mission Creek 2010. You can also look for Yukimi and company on the 2011 dubstep album by SBTRKT on the track, “Wildfire”. Hear the title track to Ritual Union below :
