The Pentecostal raised, GHE20G0TH1K scene maker Ian Isiah is going to lift your spirits, cleanse your soul, and hug the hurt out of you with the gorgeous gospel polished funk of his latest EP, Auntie. The singer and composer has beamed in Chromeo to do the honors of conjuring and channeling the ghost of Prince and the living essence of Chaka Khan into a mixing board to Weegied up this release as a celebration of life as it was bequeathed to us by the miracle of cosmic coincidence. The role of caretaker that Ian has assumed with the title of this EP is evident in the consciousness of his approach to melody and lover's mischief on this release. I swear by the hair on a lambs head that you will feel well-tended to and fully sated by the conclusion of its run time. Auntie kicks off with "N.U.T.S," a totem to remind you that even if others see you as a villain for merely existing as you are, to those who love you, you're a god damned star! It's an essential message conveyed with a flow of sexy sax solos and moonlight struck funky synth chords. The slinky bounce continues with the Champaign blooded, dancefloor, bust-up and strut "Princess Pouty" and the disco drenched wind-up and shakedown seduction of "Can't Call It." "Bougie Heart" doubles down on the enticements of Isiah's sex appeal, allowing him the space to drop a guard evading bid for your affection amongst a suite of parallel spiritual hard-bop and squishy funk-bap synth and sax parts. “First Love” has a subdued DeBarge-esque, puppy dog-eyed quality to its flutter groove and playful prattle. Don't cut out early though, because the main event premieres just before the end of the EP, with purple-dyed funk and bold stepping blues sneak of "Lady Bug," its fur-lined Morris Day melodies and lightening-through-your-heart, show-stopping guitar solos will overcome the last of your resistance to Ian's dusky charm. Break out your best wine and bless your day with a kiss from Auntie.
