Rozi Plain – PRIZE

The fifth album from the underrated Rozi Plain continues to demonstrate her collaborative skills: these simple songs are full of subtle brilliance

Album Review by Lewis Wade | 09 Jan 2023
  • Rozi Plain - PRIZE
Album title: PRIZE
Artist: Rozi Plain
Label: Memphis Industries
Release date: 13 Jan

Rozi Plain thrives in a group setting, once more guiding a cast of DIY multi-instrumentalists from across the UK to bring her intricate ideas to life. The songs remain deceptively simple, but what could easily suffice with just vocals and strummed chords becomes much more when slathered in keys, synths and sax.

At surface level these are breezy, easygoing alt-pop songs. Plain's vocals are understated and the arrangements rarely overpower the direct lyrical entreaties. But there's a gilt finish to this album, showing a keen curatorial eye and ability to polish without losing the beating heart. It's almost like the sophisti-pop of the 80s and early 90s, but without the naff production.

Alabaster dePlume brings his drawling sax on Agreeing for Two (which also features regular collaborator Kate Stables on backing vocals) and Sore. The synths are another real standout, providing wobbly edges (Prove Your Good, Help) or pulsating otherworldliness (Painted the Room, Blink), while harp from Serafina Steer (Help) or strings from Emma Smith (Sore) offset the otherwise serene atmosphere.

PRIZE doesn't shout for your attention, but it's hard to ignore when you give it time. Rozi Plain is miles away from the sedate folk of her early career, though the subtle interpolation of additional elements is so masterfully done that she makes it look easy.

Listen to: Agreeing for Two, Help

http://roziplain.co.uk