While summer may be creeping away, the debut album from Mississippi Voss, Torrent,is not letting it slip away too quickly…
Torrent irradiates funk with a jazz style atmosphere surrounding it, creating melodies and guitars riffs not dissimilar to the genre-bending summer style of Tom Misch. The band includes Paddy Spiers and Tom Lane, two 20-year-old boys from Berkshire who’s debut album will take you travelling through the interests and views of the two lads.
A hypnotic introduction starts the listener on a journey through the album. The aptly-named track, The Source gives an explanation of the band name Mississippi Voss and gives the listener a glimpse of instruments and melodies that they are to expect through the rest of the album. The well-orchestrated introduction creates the feeling of travelling down the Mississippi which has given a perfect start to the album.
This leads straight into the second track Florence which follows the path set by the prelude giving the listener a chance to settle into the music that Mississippi Voss has to offer.
The third track Breezing By started with a feeling of uncertainty and a need for convincing. With a complete contrast to the expected style after hearing the well-suited sound for the Singer the choice to rap seemed strange but a well-executed hook gives a light-hearted explanation using the lyrics: “a five foot seven guy privately educated and white” shows self-understanding by the artist and also why there is the need for this song on the album.
But the lyrics written by the 20-year-olds give a real reason for this song’s appearance as it resonates strongly with any music lover. This song shows the band’s love and passion for music and the lyrics can be relatable for many. So while hesitant about this song at first, it has become one of my album favourites because of the lyrical power which hits home for any listener.
The psychedelic feel to the album has been perfectly matched by their album art and shown in full display in the next song on the album. Falling Deeper transports you away from your life and into another world with the harmonic keys accompanied by the melodic use of the guitar creating a perfect platform for the vocalist Paddy to showcase his talents in this song.
A personal favourite is the song Dream State which sits towards the end of the album. The effects used on the vocals perfectly compliment the instruments, especially the guitar which creates a perfect vibe for this song. The rhythm used in this song catches the attention of a listener drawing them to each lyric sung by the vocalist Paddy. The song makes you notice every element which all work in complete harmony making it stand out in this album.
The debut album from Mississippi Voss is filled with instrumental brilliance and lyrical talent seeming beyond a debut. With a confident sound, the listener is sure to know what they are in for with this album and is sure to be a welcome escape through the winter months to come.
Rating: 8/10
By Amber Malley
Feature Image Credit: Mississipi Voss Productions