There seems to be a something refreshingly enchanting about newcomer Rachel Foxx, the 21 year-old East Londoner whose self-titled debut EP flips the coin from the more dance-oriented youngsters that are emerging on the scene, instead presenting something so polished (and soulful) that you’d be forgiven in thinking this was a project many years ahead into her career.
With an approach easily identified close to the likes of Marsha Ambrosius (alongside her ex-Floetry camp), Rachel Foxx oozes something that seems to have been distant from the UK scene for far too long. Whilst we can’t quite pinpoint exactly what (the EP shows strong diversity), it only takes the collection’s short Intro to understand the direction Foxx is going to lead you in. Laid-back and sassy maybe, it’s the second cut (Before You) where Jill Scott-comparisons start to flourish. Think Le BOOM Vent Suite from Scott’s wonderful 2011 album The Light Of The Sun, and instantly you’ll see where Foxx’s inspirations seem to lie.
Even taking into account the Intro, Outro (co-titled The One) and Interlude that make up 50% of the collection’s contents, it’s rare to find a debut project seem so highly complete, and as aforementioned, polished, particularly from this side of the pond. Whilst East Londoners seem to be perfecting house, lo-fi and alternative styles, Rachel Foxx doesn’t so much as put two-fingers-up to the various scenes, more in fact welcoming others into her own world.
Put simply, this is a cool-as-fuck project, and one we can’t wait to hear more of. We’d bet money that the likes of Scott & Ambrosius may also sit up and take note of this shining youngster. Here’s to us hopefully hearing a full-length Rachel Foxx album soon!
Stream Foxx’s self-titled debut effort below:
