Jess Harlen - Neon Heartache

Harnessing her lyrical introspection, distinctive songwriting and fusing it with renowned Mercury Prize winning producer Plutonic Lab, Jess Harlen reveals her remarkable debut album Neon Heartache. The record embarks upon unchartered territory of soul music, drawing on subtle hip hop beats, reggae rhythms and moments reminiscent of Motown. Described by Rave Magazine as "what real soul is meant to be - from the soul, not from the formula", Neon Heartache's lead off single, "Watch the Water" combines the grace of acoustic melodies with dynamic rhythm while effortlessly offering up picturesque ocean imagery. It is a beautiful contrast to the track "Diamond", a crackling gritty bass-driven blues number backed by midnight reflection and heartbeat tempos. The second single "I Go," is the album's most ethereal moment. Against a backdrop of shimmering harmonics, Harlen's earthly tones dance along a glistening undercurrent. The atmosphere is completed by Plutonic Lab's sublime production touch.