Raissa - Desire Path EP (Neon Gold/Virgin) 
Release Date: Out Now
I'm often a little concerned that people are going to think I'm a massive pervert if I review songs with artwork featuring a naked woman on a giant banana but if the music is good I just have to share it. So, judge me if you will, but the new EP from Raissa, 'Desire Path', is a cracker so let's look beyond the cover and judge this book by the music, shall we?
Opening up with 'Don't Let Me Go', Raissa treats us to afrobeat infused electro pop with subtle vocals and an energy that is both soothing and invigorating. On 'Manzana' there is a little more energy as Raissa embraces Spanish roots with a pleasingly squelchy synth melody and layers that wash over you like electric waves. The next track of the EP, 'Heaven Is A Dance Floor', has a dubby bass sound that really hits you in the gut while Raissa's vocals switch between pop innocence and a classy, polished Robyn-esque sound that shows just how far she could go.
'Guapa' nods back to that Spanish flavour but also has a middle-eastern tone as the melody slinks and snakes under your skin before the beat drops into seal the deal - certainly my favourite track on this collection. Former single 'Do U Ride' leans back into that low bass sound mixed with impish vocals before the EP closes with 'Todo X Ti' which is a full on Latin inspired R&B pop track ready for those late night slow dances when things start to get hot and sticky. I love how boldly Raissa wears her heritage in her music but also how universal it sounds, it makes this EP a real joy to listen to.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/thisisraissa/