ALBUM REVIEW: ROZI PLAIN – PRIZE

Prize is the first new album from Rozi Plain since 2019’s pre-pandemic What A Boost and if, like me, you have been bewitched by her music for many years then you will not be disappointed. It’s starting point was the track ‘Agreeing for Two’ which came from a week writing and recording music on the Isle of Eigg for Lost Maps records as part of their Visitations series. From there demos were made in multiple locations followed by recording in Shorebreaker studio in Bilbao, various home studios, and The Total Refreshment Centre.

If you have not heard Rozi Plain before then imagine the feeling you get when you move from the outskirts of a city, and it starts to become countryside. Prize feels softer than previous albums which had the snap of twigs and the crunch of leaves (I’m thinking of rambunctious tracks like ‘Human’ or ‘Jogalong’). This is more like walking on moss. The backing is perfection, with Rozi Plain calling on the close friends/musicians she has worked with on many occasions (Jamie Whitby Coles – drums, voice, Gerard black – synthesizers, piano, voice, Amaury Ranger – bass, percussion, Kate stables – voice, James Howard – guitar and Alabaster Deplume – saxophone); players who can inhabit Rozi’s world with consummate empathy making it sound as easy as adding milk to tea.

Whether it’s the gentle rotation of ‘Agreeing For Two’, the soft judder of ‘Prove Your Good’, the jazz-tinged shifting landscape of ‘Standing Up’, or the swell of vintage synth sounds on ‘Painted The Room’ and ‘Blink’, everything is in support of one of the most distinctive voices in music. Vocals phrases land like plump raindrops, gentle and seemingly intermittent; a soporific staccato that often appears hesitant, almost an extension of breathing, but when taken as a whole, or washed with lush harmonies, is captivating and dreamlike.

Rozi Plain makes musical limning, with each song presented like a perfectly painted miniature made with tiny delicate brushstrokes. To listen to Rozi Plain is to open a locket and find a small, perfectly represented worlds inside brought to you on cloud footsteps. A unique album from a unique talent.

Rozi Plain socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website

Rozi Plain on tour:

Thu 19^th Jan 23 – London, Rough Trade East Instore

Sat 28^th Jan 23 – Chester, St. Marys

Tue 31^st Jan 23 – York, The Crescent

Wed 1^st Feb 23 – Hull, Adelphi

Thu 2^nd Feb 23 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach

Fri 3^rd Feb 23 – Falmouth, The Cornish Bank

Sat 4^th Feb 23 – Totnes, St. Marys

Tue 28^th Feb 23 – Manchester, YES Pink Room

Wed 1^st Mar 23 – Dublin, Workmans Club

Thu 2^nd Mar 23 – Bangor, NI, The Court House

Fri 3^rd Mar 23 – Waterford, Phil Grimes

Sat 4^th Mar 23 – Ballydehob, Levis Corner House

Sun 5^th Mar 23 – Kilkenny, Cleere’s

Tue 7^th Mar 23 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club

Thu 9^th Mar 23 – Newcastle, Star & Shadow

Fri 10^th Mar 23 – Cambridge, Portland Arms

Sat 11^th Mar 23 – Margate, Olby’s

Sun 12^th Mar 23 – Brighton, Hope & Ruin

Tue 14^th Mar 23 – London, Studio 9294

Review by Paul F Cook

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