Artists To Watch In 2015: Silk Rhodes

At a neat 2 minutes 30 seconds, SILK RHODES 'Pains' barely gives a first-time listener enough time to put a finger on the classic soul that is so clearly referenced within (hint: it's Al Green. Or is it Otis Redding? Or both).

By the third listen (and with a numbing circularity, 'Pains' lends itself to playing on a hypnotic loop), said listener has moved beyond recollections of old-timers and come to fully embrace the wonderful and inescapable truth that this is a contemporary outfit redefining the boundaries of what this era is capable of producing.

A single lifted off the debut offering from Silk Rhodes, a self-titled LP, 'Pains' is a tantalising taste of the muted, minimalist soul we can look forward to.

Vocalist Sasha Winn and producer Michael Collins met on the road long ago while touring under previous musical guises, and creative sparks flew before they settled as housemates and artistic partners-in-crime in Baltimore. Silk Rhodes was born spontaneously, so its no wonder the sound is so organic and honest. There's no commercially geared revivalist agenda here.

Silk Rhodes are attracting widespread acclaim, with a little TLC from American indie label Stones Throw (home of ALOE BLACC and hip-hop heavies MADVILLAIN).

Earlier release 'Face 2 Face' is a funky jam that plays like a slap-up amalgamation of old-school JAMIROQUAI and PHARRELL.

Fading out at 2:22 minutes, its another hint at Silk Rhodes formula for sure success. Lay down a short and sassy slice of soul-drenching eargasm with an effortless hook and a beat that sticks. And don't wait long before revealing another sweet treat so peeps listening don't even think of tuning out.

Words by Rebecca McCann