Maxine Ashley - Paranoid

Feb. 25

Maxine Ashley - Paranoid

Here's a sweet little discovery. This EP speaks a great deal to the potential of the singer-songwriter, mainly because it maintains an amazing consistency despite having five producers across five songs. That indicates a strong central artistic voice to me, so I'll definitely be on the lookout for Ashley's next release.

Maxine Ashley specializes in a sort of narcotic, dreamy R&B, often reminding me of a Channel Orange era Frank Ocean. Then again, she also includes more hooks and splashes of synth-pop than you might normally find in contemporary alt-R&B. These influences are synthesized in to a personal style replete with melancholic sensuality and mystery. All this is backed by Ashley's tender vocals, which somehow manage to sound both powerful and vulnerable.

This one's pretty under the radar. I hope you give it a try; it's worth it.

Stream in full below via YouTube.

Highlights: Easily • Paradise • Free Fall