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Reviewed by Ania Glowacz

Junelle: Just This Sky EP

Reviewed by Ania Glowacz

Junelle: Just This Sky EP

Although dubbed an EP, the seven charming tracks on this CD are well worthy of being regarded as a debut album from the soft, soulful voiced and beautifully grounded Junelle Groves.

These intimate and beautiful songs are gentle, sultry, evocative, calm and most of all – mindfull. There’s no rushing, no pretence – just a sharing and a really cool post-clubbing vibe. It’s instantly alluring sonically – both the voice and the accompanying music, all played by Junelle’s partner Abraham Kunin (The Means, Esther Stephens, Home Brew), who also recorded, arranged, mixed and produced.

Angus McNaughton is responsible for the excellent mastering. There are some very evident ‘zen’ elements to the whole affair, and not just because Junelle is a practising Bhuddist. It’s the flowing, unforced vibe of all the songs, at least a couple of which have a very Bjork feel (circa ‘Vespertine’) – Intertwined and closing track Refuge – which also has a mantra by Atisha and flute samples by Nitin Amin. Kind of Ladi 6 as well, but far more mellow, ‘Just This Sky’ is very cool.