VanJess - Homegrown [EP Review]
Lustrous duo VanJess share a synergy that can only be forged through the telepathic bonds of sisterhood. Their new EP, ‘Homegrown,’ showcases the same chemistry in sound that propelled 2018 debut project ‘Silk Canvas’ through the ceiling that separates the highest tiers of contemporary R&B from the underground.
The strength of VanJess as an act, and subsequently of Homegrown, lies in their ability to manoeuvre their way through a selection of different sounds. Confident in their ability to make a mark on any template, they demonstrate a level of comfort when switching between styles. Mellifluous project opener ‘Come Over’ is an example of the funkier side of the sister act. Singing, “I wanna come over baby when can we kick it?,” over a warm bed of keys and a groove-heavy bass line, fans of previous hits such as ‘Touch the Floor,’ are instantly invited back into VanJess’ world of melody-driven, stripped back funk.
Homegrown’s nine-song tracklist is condensed into a selection that properly flaunts the stylistic range of the Nigerian-American duo. They never shy away from winding down the mood, as sultry cuts like ‘Slow Down’ and ‘Roses’ demonstrate. The jolting, reggae-inflected production of the latter stands out as an example of the ease of which they can flip the script.
VanJess cast their net wide when it comes to their sound, but their harmonic arrangements and distinctive contralto are enduring trademarks that preserve their essence whatever the genre. Take ‘Dysfunctional’ for example; the excitable bass line of Kaytranada’s electronica-funk production is harnessed by the sultry rasp of Ivana’s voice before being stretched out by the honeyed tones of Jess. On ‘High and Dry,’ the pair’s recognisable octave doubles fill out the song beautifully, making for a warm and soothing base for the trap drums to gently pierce through.
Thematically, Homegrown explores love in both the desperation of old and the excitement of new. ‘Curious’ is a sexy slow jam, VanJess’ light, airy vocals create a sense of elation, assisted by the infectious call, “dance with me lil’ baby, won’t you come my way?” The anticipation is tangible because of how earnest the track feels, with both VanJess and their guests, Jimi Tents and Garren, delivering with vulnerability. On the flipside, the project equally details the hopelessness of a failing love, ‘Caught Up,’ featuring Phony Ppl stands out as an example. The production is deceptively bright and feel-good, a soulful, funky cut in true Phony Ppl fashion that creates an infectious feeling around a hook that reads as a call for help; “Cause I’m caught up, and I’m drowning, is you coming to the rescue?”
With nostalgic melodies layered on top of forward-thinking instrumentals, Homegrown is evidence of a formula that works. Fans of VanJess will by now be used to their fusion of contemporary R&B, funk and electronica, and this sophomore project once again proves that they know just the right amount of each to add in order to retain the originality that sets them apart from their peers.