The funny thing about melancholy R'nB, though, is that it's always been around, and been around in less explosive and more durable forms. Artists like Patti LaBelle and Freddie Jackson expressed plenty of distress in their music, and even their uplifting songs drew water from a well of tears- even going so far as to describe their longing as suffering- as if their desire was so intense that it became physically painful, even scolding, to hold on to. It could be really hot... literally.
Massachusetts Them Beats, despite existing in a post-Weeknd world, and adopting the minimalistic, dark, and shadowy production style that is pertinent to it, seems to belong to a previous era of R'nB and soul on their EP End of Time. It's refreshing to hear someone simply express their desire, without any caveats, knowing that their love might not be returned, but choosing to expose themselves to the slings of rejection regardless. It's zero hour for professing your passion, and I love it!
The slow simmer and skimpy, disrobed beat of "Nervous" is a thrifty but indulgent ode to a longing that sounds completely credulous in its purring confession. "Miss U" has a bubbling sweetness to its poping electronics that compliments the tantalizing glacé of the singer's intentions like a drizzle of chocolate on a fresh strawberry, and the long amble of the piano-led "Care of Your Heart" has a Jackson-esque lilt to its crooning twitterpated bow of surrender to the object of its affection.
I think it was good choice to put Them Beats's vocals at the front of the mix, as it feels like there is less of a barrier between you and the singer, almost like they are singing to you directly. That's the goal after all, intimacy. The company of another where true feelings have no place to hide.
