Live Review: Billie Black '000 100' EP
London singer/songwriter Billie Black has released her debut EP, 000 100, which is packed with emotionally charged, downtempo R'n'B jams.
London's BILLIE BLACK first came onto my radar a few months ago when she dropped her debut track, I Waited For You. Now she's rewarded my (and probably many others) loyalty with a four-track EP, packed to the brim with the sultry R'n'B vibes that drew me to her in the first place.
Titled 000 100, it won't be long at all until this release catapults her to the critical success she deserves.
With the vocal prowess of JESSIE WARE, but combined with the on-trend production a la BANKS, BILLIE BLACK is onto something really special here. The EP is an incredibly solid body of work; downtempo R'n'B that is centred around her silky voice, yet juxtaposed with minimal electronic beats to please even the most stern of skeptics.
It's also overflowing with emotion, yet shows a complexity and depth far beyond a typical 19-year old (yeah, she's only 19). From the slow jam of opener Black and White, to the swirling, string ensemble featuring Do You Really, each track varies in sound and style, but remains true to her sweet but silky sound.
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The sassy grooves, future synths and minimal but present bass of I Don't Need Another Lover are up next, showing that the singer can make you do more than just sway on the spot. It's more upbeat, lighter and groovier, but still keeps that lyrical depth of the previous two tracks. It's surprising just how natural the song feels, yet how much BLACK's voice standouts out without ever being forced.
The final track of 000 100 is standout I Waited For You. It is no wonder this was the first track released by BLACK. Her voice is like a cloud, and the production is far beyond any first release I've heard in a long time. The bass, the warped vocal samples, the skittering drum beats; THIS is the track that makes BILLIE BLACK stand out from the hoard.
It's easy to spot BLACK's influences, yet she manages to stand on her own two feet as an artist, without ever being eclipsed by her predecessors. Her ability to keep her music subtle, yet remain powerful and attention-grabbing is what makes her a serious contender, and is what will take her places.
Her impeccable voice is similar to that of a jazz singer, and when paired with the minimal production sounds that similar to that of JAMES BLAKE, it leaves no doubt that BILLIE BLACK is a name we will all be hearing very soon.
Words by Emma Jones
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