Lion Babe is a duo from New York that has just released its debut album Begin. They are characterized as neo soul, even though there are many different influences that could be crystallized. Jillian Harvey and Lucas Goodman have felt the strong connection first time they’ve met so they have immediately decided to start working together. Harvey sings and Goodman is the producer. Right after the first single Treat Me Like Fire, they have signed a deal with Interscope and went on tour with Childish Gambino.
The name of the bend is a combination of Goodman’s horoscope sign and Jillian’s hairstyle. The name of the album represents the very beginning of their expressive career. When you listen to it, you can recognize influences from Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Pharell, Timbaland but also The Beatles, The Strokes and The White Stripes. Their style is an amalgam of soul, hip-hop, r’n’b and electronic music. So, they’ve chosen to dedicate their creativity to what’s trendy but also keep the minimalistic approach to it in order not to fall into a complete mainstream. Lion Babe is in the middle between invention and copy-pasting.
Harvey is vocally unique. She is taking this album to the moon and back. You might also remember her as a guest on Disclosure’s Hourglass. Her abilities are unquestionable, but she often does not show her full potential. In Satisfy My Love, she sounds like a caricature of typical r’n’b vocal.
Jump Hi features Childish Gambino and it’s the smash hit of the record. Others include Treat Me Like Fire and Wonder Woman. Disco is to be heard on Where Do We Go, while Hold On and Jungle Lady represent the essential soul. Lyrics are all about female empowerment and maturity.
I didn’t like Stressed OUT! and Get Body because they just gave me this sleazy pop vibe. Other than that, this is a decent debut album lead by incredible vocal and fun tunes.
