BY DANIELLE HOLIAN
OPAQUE is Hablot Brown’s latest offering showcasing their newest effort proving an incredible musical progression over the six-track extended-play.
The production is pleasantly surprising on the opening track “Go” that prepares the listener on where the EP will go from there.
Following this, there is a rhythmic charm on “Soldier” and “Minute” that draws the listener in deeper to the EP. There’s a sophisticated and mature sound throughout the tracks that makes it easy to fall in love with their sound, lyricism, and presence as a band.
At the midpoint of the EP, “Heaven” and “Take It All” fully prove they are in a league of their own creating something fresh and intriguing listeners with their lingering taste of their unravelling signature sound.
Concluding the highly anticipated EP with “Said & Done”, it once again shows the profoundly expressive vocals, bold rhythmics, and polished production that the trio excellently created.
The EP’s title, OPAQUE, means to not be able to be seen through; not transparent. And as the tracks play, it shows how thoughtful the band were with their attention to detail with their storytelling and production.
Musically, the trio create a modern blend of R&B, soul, and jazz making each track an earworm, showcasing a melodic expression with admiration of their musical talents.
Lyrically, the band makes an impactful progression furthering their storytelling skills, along with incredible melodies.
OPAQUE discusses a reflection of tumultuous, foggy, and transitional period in the band lives that foreshadows the graduation from old school to new and the stepping stones on what’s yet to come blended over vastly contrasting genres. There’s a tenderness to the soul-hinged instrumental and lyrics that draw contemporary R&B styles combined with different directions that produce an incredible number of tracks.
Overall, there is a lot discussed throughout the EP that will keep the listener interested from the get-go. And whether you’ve heard of Hablot Brown, OPAQUE is a great starting point.