Fresh Perspective

R& B

Emily King

Scenery

Emily King is a known entity in the music scene — she signed her first major record deal way back in 2004 — but superstar success has eluded her. Some notable singles here and there — 2015’s album, and title track, Switch most recently — but with Scenery, she makes a statement. Scenery reflects a decision to leave her NYC hometown for the rich greenery and wildlife of the Catskills. The move was a scary one for the self-described non-risk-taker, but one she felt necessary to grow both as person and artist. Opening track “Remind Me” mines her trademark sound — notes of R&B and pop — to grand effect. “Teach You” shifts to a jazzy pop mood, playful and tender at once; South Asian percussive sounds underscore “Can’t Hold Me”; the acoustic jazz of “Caliche” is a mindful meditation on love; “2nd Guess” gives off an ’80s pop groove and the gospel-inspired ballad of “Running” is reflective in its ruminations of self-determination. King’s whisper smooth vocals are welcoming and ensure the 12-track project holds together. Scenery comes ever-so-close to its intended level of sublime, yet plays things on the safe side: pleasant, powerful, precise. It waves over listening with its earnestness — soothing the consciousness rather than expanding it.

issues a year before this new album dropped. And aside from the evocative, spit-sung intro about his brush with death, he also bookends the album with “The Finish,” a closing track replete with vivid details about how he endured a brain fluid leak. That song’s tight, high-pitched vocal sample and dusty boom-bap beat are reminiscent of a Roc-A-Fella classic.

In that sense, River is a revivalist, picking instrumentals throughout this album that harken back to rap’s jazz-indebted past, and blatantly defying the woozy, synth-drenched SoundCloud sound du jour. There are resounding piano key clinks and crisp drums on “Before I Go,” faintly moaning horns and a hi-hat that sounds like falling pocket change on “Laney High” and rapid percussion straight out of a marching band on “Pull Up.” Aside from such sterling vintage production choices throughout, River’s lyrical content also eschews the shallow mumble-rap style dominating today’s playlists. “Neither Am I” is a warts-and-all confrontation of his misogyny-laced insecurities, which he finishes by humbly copping It’s a clear articulation of King’s mastery and intent; Scenery is musically sound, entrancing and implores that you take a listen. (ATO Records)

How did moving out of New York City help with your creativity?

It was for peace of mind. It was exciting. I’m not a risk-taker; I’m paranoid and kind of cautious. It freed up my mind and my emotions. It gave me a new perspective that was essential to making this new record. I had moments in making this record where I got way too heady, and was overthinking the process of writing songs. A friend of mine told me it’s not about writing the “best” song. It’s about what you are feeling. That really hit home. That was the place I had to start, but it’s not easy, because you really do have to be in touch with your feelings and that can be challenging.

What did you want to do differently with this album?

I wanted to try some different grooves. I wanted to tell a different story. I wanted to surprise myself and keep myself excited about my own music. I needed some sort of change and I just wanted this new record to tell a different story. to slut-shaming and other transgressions. From the throwback beats to the timeless lyrical depth, this 24-year-old shows wisdom beyond his years on his very promising debut. (Independent) METAL