Sophomore full-length from Virginia singer-songwriter Natalie Prass. While her self-titled debut proved her heavenly voice and songwriting prowess to the world, The Future And The Past is a huge artistic step forward for the singer. It’s a bold call to action in the Tr*mp era, tackling reproductive rights (“Ain’t Nobody”), female solidarity (“Sisters”) and societal dread (“Ship Go Down”). Prass worked with longtime friend and collaborator Matthew E. White at his Spacebomb Studios to achieve dense layers of swelling bass, synth, woodwinds and strings to back her charismatic songwriting. It’s a huge sonic leap from her last record, with massive crossover pop potential despite the sometimes-austere subject matter. The immaculate harmonies and falsetto chirps that open “Short Court Style” conjure some of Terius Nash’s finest pop-R&B compositions. Other highlights: “Never Too Late,” “Far From You,” “Oh My.” It’ll be interesting to see how this record is interpreted a decade or two on (if we even still exist!), but right now, it feels incredibly poignant. Limited edition red vinyl pressing with download code and foldout poster.

• red colored vinyl
• 12"x36" foldout poster
• printed inner sleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: ATO Records 2018

reviewed by big dumb man 06/2018