Out on February 15th, the self-titled debut album from South London-born artist Misty Drinx showcases a hooky, atmospheric range of pop and soul — drawing from ’70s influences like Hall & Oates and Michael McDonald in addition to a modern sharpness. From the immediacy of opening “Oh I Love That Song!” to the mellow soul of “Keeper,” Misty Drinx presents a thoroughly compelling debut.
Spacey synth arpeggios and smoothly melodic vocals stir on the opening “Oh I Love That Song!” — building climactically with gradual rhythmic additions into the vibrant disco/funk-touched expanse; the project’s standout production is immediately on display in the dynamic between lush synth-pop and the contagious shift thereafter. The ensuing “You’re So Cool” emphasizes a mellower entrancement to start. Soulful vocals and chilly keys build into a title-touting declaration, as various vocal layers emit an enthused sense of being smitten. The album’s opening one-two punch is strong, demonstrative of Misty Drinx’ knack for evolving, satiating structural pop swells.
Swaying palm trees and a suave, funky arsenal enamor on another success in “Damn That’s Cold,” whose production struts a debonair sophisti-pop charm. Starry-eyed synths incorporate seamlessly for a particularly impactful second half. The subsequent “Keeper” stays within this laid-back realm, this time accompanied by emotive strings alongside “I wanna make you suffer too,” vocal aspirations — capturing the tumult of emotions apparent in an eroding relationship. The album’s mid-section stirs in its soulful introspection, sitting in between more infectious doses of pop immediacy.
The clanging funk of “Pelican Fly” and the eclectic grooves of “Fever Beat” bring back a charismatic pop production, with the latter impressive in its spanning from briskness to atmospheric lushness. “Push the fever to your toes,” the spirited vocals let out. “When the music plays don’t be afraid of what you feel.” The call-and-response backing vocals add beautifully to the grooving rhythms and serene keys, while the lyrical emphasis stirs in its emphasis on enjoyably losing oneself to the groove — for the better.
Album finale “What You Think You Know” provides a comforting send-off. The vocals punctuate the hook with a “I love you,” reassurance, resonating alongside trickling funk guitars and sporadic synth pulses. “Come back soon,” the vocals plead during an especially memorable sequence, intertwining the starry-eyed keys and caressing vocals with strongly melodic effect; it’s a stellar conclusion to an album in Misty Drinx that touts an abundance of catchy songwriting and a sophisticated blend of nostalgic and modern soul-pop.
