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D’Angelo And The Vanguard – Black Messiah

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The man who was renowned for his soulful music, funky vocals, (and abs) is back. D’Angelo And The Vanguard present new album ‘Black Messiah’.

Opening with ‘Ain’t That Easy’ this track reacquaints listeners with his unique sound, and immediately reminds you of the D’Angelo, Maxwell, Musiq Soulchild early noughties era.

The second track ‘1000 Deaths’ opens with a pro black Jesus sermon, referring to the title of the album, backed by a gentle simmer of high-hat and twangs of electronic bass, before muffled vocals start to melodise over the top. Due to the levels staying the same throughout this track, it comes across as more of a filler than a focus.

‘The Charade’ is a dreamier offering, yet the same flatness in colour is present – however this does give quite a live quality to the music. Things pick up from the fourth track ‘ Sugah Daddy’ that immediately pricks your ears up. With a snappy piano riff, accompanied by syncopated clicks, and D’Angelo’s falsetto vocals riffing over the top you immediately succumb to the track. Brass snaps away in the background perfectly punctuating the vocals.

Things switch up with the fifth track ‘Really Love’ which incorporates a Spanish influence, as the Spanish guitar dances melodically throughout the track, bringing back the romance of the original D’Angelo sound. ‘Back The The Future Part 1’ offers an oriental influence, and maintains the pace of the previous track.

A stand out track on the album is ‘Betray My Heart’, which offers a flitting skank riff, and stunning vocals. The muted wah-wah guitar creates a gentle sound showing off the best of the D’Angelo sound.

‘The Door’ strips things back to a stunning minimal sound using a whistle as backing, which sharply contrasts with funk track ‘Back The The Future – Part 2’ which seems to sandwich the album nicely. The album comes to a close with the reflective ‘Another Life’.

All in all D’Angelo fans can definitely appreciate his original sound with the release of D’Angelo And The Vanguard ‘Black Messiah’, but just be wary not to be put off by the first couple of tracks on the LP. It’s been a long old wait, but my God it was worth it. This man knows his music.

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