Rozi Plain – Prize

Bristol-based artist Rozi Plain, born Rosalind Leyden, has released her newest album ‘Prize’ – an ambient soundscape that masks the answers to the riddles it provokes.

Rozi Plain’s 2008 debut, ‘Inside Over Here’, established her position in the folk genre. Since then, Plain hasn’t been confined by the limits of a particular style or genre. ‘Prize’ fully submerges the artist into a unique, eccentric, psychedelic style – allowing her to fully embrace various influences and detach her art from confinements that previous albums may have established.

This freedom in musical style facilitates the mindset of the artist within the album and the lyrical contemplation and intrusive thoughts that unravel throughout its ten tracks. Although the lyrics remain short and simple, their meaning isn’t always clear – extending ways in which they may be interpreted and therefore adding an ethereal depth to the entire album. By saying little, Plain provokes a whole lot. 

Further, an ensemble of varying instruments works in collaboration within ‘Prize’ – elevating the beautiful, chaotic depth that is inspired by Plain’s questioning. From saxophone to steel drums, to the familiar acoustic guitar, the album combines conflicting elements that somehow unite in uncertain silences. Unable to trace exact genres and influence, and unable to make rational sense of Plain’s lyrics, listeners will be left amid an incredible synergy of music and meditation. 

This meditation, which is provoked in search of emotional enlightenment, is subtly supported by experimental jazz artist Alabaster De Plume. In ‘Sport Thirteen’, the eighth track on the album, the pair come together to explore the power of opposites and the options these present. Listeners glide along introspective lines like “worse and comfort from the same source”, which should shake them from their dream-like state. Yet, they remain blissfully lost in the wonder of the bewitching sounds of Plain and Plume.

Listen to Rozi Plain, and her multifaceted body of work, now.

8/10

Words: Amelia Kelly