Lynda Dawn’s well-received debut EP At First Light was released in 2019, but this promising start was cut off at the knees by the global pandemic and prompted her to re-evaluate her process and undertake a music production course. Emerging, now, 5 years later comes a follow-up that surpasses her debut with style, panache and evidence aplenty of her newly gained skills in music production.
11th Hour leaves behind the squelchy electro synths of the ‘80s funk inspired debut and replaces them with a lushly organic and multi-layered soul record filled with layer upon layer of delicious vocals, as well as touchstones drawn from a classic period of soul music that feels fresh without ever becoming a pastiche or re-tread of that era.
While other acts (like those on the Daptone label, for example) opt for the punchy horns and gritty Stax-like sound or endless homages to Motown, Dawn chooses her influences from Minnie Riperton, Roy Ayers and the production of the legendary Charles Stepney. And uniting it all is her voice which is simultaneously delicate and strong, as demonstrated by the vocal arrangements which are zephyr light but richly layered.
The EP opens with a skewed electrical field that effectively marks the boundary between the past and the exceptionally near future (a device much like that used by Erykah Badu on “New Amerykah Pt 2”) and transmits that the sound from here on out is defiantly organic. Flashes of wah-wah guitar, conga drum patterns and her magnificent vocals make “Cosmic Symphony” a statement of intent and a menu of the sounds that dominate the project.
Listen to the EP:
“Where You Are” is a sumptuously slinky mid-tempo funk groove that is ridiculously seductive, while “Play Fair” is swooningly beautiful with its flourishes of harp and strings. “Love Is Callin’” has a little more juice in its drums and bass, settling into a slightly more contemporary groove and “Do You Dream” lives up to its title with a languorous, luxurious and sedate tempo.
But the ingredient that brings the whole together in such impeccable style is Dawn’s vocal work. Layer upon layer of backing vocals climb steeple high, before swooping gracefully down, backing vocals and lead vocal switch places in the mix and there’s even a hint of “proto-rap” on “11th Hour” reminiscent of Millie Jackson, Isaac Hayes or pre-teen Michael Jackson, albeit in a much sweeter, suitable-for-work tone than the first artist mentioned there.
Everything in the production of this EP is placed to perfection. The instrumentation is precisely balanced and her vocals are the sweetest of cherries atop the cake, making this an EP to treasure and love. Taking the time to immerse yourself in its heavenly embrace will see you rewarded with an intimate treat that will stay long with you.
Notable Tracks: “11th Hour” | “Play Fair” | “Where You Are”
LISTEN: