Evy Jane
Closer (Ninja Tune)

For fans of Vancouver’s Evy Jane, the time between its King Deluxe–released debut EP, with its breakout track, “Sayso”, exploding across the blogosphere, and the eventual news of its signing to Ninja Tune seemed like forever. Granted, it was only two years, but constantly seeing the project of singer Evelyn Jane Mason and producer Jeremiah Klein appear on well-curated bills all over their hometown after such a passionate global response made them difficult to forget. Expectations can be a real drag, but Closer has proven the wait worthwhile, showcasing an open-minded, road-tested R&B aesthetic that draws on diverse forms.

The droning organlike melody and bluesy moaning of “Nothing So Great” progress to a haunting crescendo, marked by sluggish drum sampling that gives it a trip-hop feel, while the title track is a slice of woozy downtempo pop, with Mason delivering airy, ethereal vocals over a shoegaze-y instrumental. The delayed guitar and thoughtfully melodic bass line of “Worry Heart” combine with Mason’s most convincing vocal work to lend the track a late-’80s/early-’90s pop sheen, contrasting the brooding, choral minimalism of “Sosoft”.

It’s a balanced yet dynamic EP that shows Klein and Mason have been working hard all these years. Klein’s instrumentals have increased in complexity and sonic diversity while maintaining their smouldering sense of space, and Mason’s voice has come to be a more distinctive, mature presence. The evolution witnessed on Closer hints at big things for their debut album. They have something special. Let’s just hope the turnaround feels a little faster this time.