Alice Russell – To Dust

Five LPs in, Alice Russell’s take on classic soul continues its gradual evolution; her longstanding production and songwriting partner TM Juke is again a central presence on To Dust, ensuring that the LP rises above mere revivalism in its subtle integration of contemporary influences. There’s more than a hint of woozy, lush R&B about For a While, with its crisp, syncopated rhythms; while Hard and Strong has the kind of driving, rock-inflected catchiness that might take Russell towards Amy Winehouse levels of commercial success. 

Elsewhere, first single Heartbreaker is similarly infectious, with its sultry, nonchalant rhythms and jazzy piano hooks. This imaginative approach to production remains in evidence throughout To Dust, although the LP never strays far from its poppy centre ground. Like Russell’s previous work, it’s essentially a fairly MOR neo-soul record; but the strength of her voice, along with TM Juke’s intuitive ability to complement it, remains striking.