Autre Ne Veut first emerged from the New York underground scene in 2010 as a bruised but soulful solo artist, and over three albums developed a sound and persona that was one part Usher, one part Justin Timberlake and one part Frank Ocean. They made a name for themselves in a scene that is referred to semi-pejoratively as PBR&B — a pun on the Pabst Blue Ribbon beer that is often associated with hipster dive bars and warehouse gigs.
Their new album is their first offering in a decade and it is decent, melodic fare with lots of soulful reverb and decorous harmonies. ‘Love, Guess Who??’ re-introduces us to a singer of terrific poise and talent, but also one who may still struggle to stand out in a crowded field that has changed a lot in the intervening decade.
That said, there are some decent cuts here. About to Lose is a techy slow jam where cold sound beds meld with falsetto declarations and a huge chorus. It’s clean, likeable pop that would easily fit many different radio playlists.
There is also Itchy Blood. This track is a bit more assertive and muscular, marrying the synths with some sophisticated chord writing and an excellent turn from guest vocalist Solvey.
Music is incredibly difficult to make a career in and such careers cannot conscientiously be recommended. ‘Love, Guess Who??’ proves that point — it is a good album with fine performances and excellent production, and yet it does not feel like it’s something that will live long in the memory or break new ground with audiences.
So what does it lack? A unique persona? Maybe. But maybe there’s also the fact that the most innovative artist from the world of PBR&B is Ocean, a composer whose most celebrated work is already more than 10 years old. Without riding the crest of a particular cultural wave, ‘Love, Guess Who??’ ends up sounding like a lot of music already out there. It does not feel very urgent, despite the 10 year wait.
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