Rozi Plain - Prize

'Prize' sees Winchester-born Rozi Plain continue a meandering musical journey that has taken her via Bristol to London, seen her release four solo albums, and work frequently with friends such as Rachael Dadd, Kate Stables (This Is The Kit), and François Marry (François & the Atlas Mountains). Her own style is distinctly gentle and warm, and songs are usually stripped-back to the bare essentials. Lyrics are frequently reduced to haiku-like verses, and are sung with a contemplative simplicity and accompanied with repeating patterns of meditative guitar arpeggios. These are then overlaid with innovative folktronic arrangements featuring a wide cast of  guest instrumentalists.
 
'Agreeing For Two' is the lead single, quirky, yet quintissentially English, and a perfect example of her craft. Rozi Plain's style reminds me of folk experimentalists Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatt, and also of American folk harpist Joanna Newsom. Kate Stables joins on vocals for this song about making decisions that are best for both parties. Written during a sojourn on the Isle of Eigg, the finished version is embellished with a beautifully muted saxophone line from Alabaster Deplume.
 
'Complicated' balances fate against free will, whilst 'Help' tries to pre-empt the loss of a feeling. 'Prove Your Good' challenges the dichotomous selfishness of the ego with its revelatory vocal refrain -  'What do we want? Less. Do you want more? Yes'
 
'Conversation' is about honesty. 'Painted In The Room' is about loss, and 'Sore' becomes an enigmatic moment of reflection. 'Spot Thirteen' contrasts hurt and comfort, whilst 'Standing Up' is a message to the future that contrasts beautifully with the brevity of 'Blink'.
 
Do not be fooled by the superficial simplicity of 'Prize'. The core message lurking within are the product of a carefully conceived musical distillation.
 
For so long the team player, 'Prize' surely marks the time for Rozi Plain to step up and receive her  long-overdue personal acclaim.
 
8/10