November
Rising star Rachel Chinouriri continues to dazzle with a mesmerising offering in ‘November’, seeing the soft-spoken songstress link-up with fellow Londoner and all-around cool-headed geezer, Hak Baker.
Tailing her flawless ‘Four° In Winter’ EP and divine ‘Through The Eye’ number; Rachel returns with an enchanting track riddled with acoustic strings twanging, alluring vocals resonating throughout and ethereal synths sung; forming an impeccable foundation for the two-tender tones to mesh amongst the ravishing soundscape.
‘November’ presents the two reaching inwards; stringing together emotive harmonies, as they portray their ‘own individual challenges in the world’. Rachel specifically touches on times she had been ‘disrespected by someone; finding it hard to gather (her) thoughts’, which is vividly displayed within that ‘do I finish with my words? put it down to my fists?’ line. While Baker states that; ‘the song is a reflection of modern day. It was important to work with another black artist, especially another whose music breaks clichéd boundaries of what black artists should be doing’ - and with the folk-infused soundscape Hak has cultivated throughout his years in the game alongside Rachel’s softened renaissance sound she’s carrying out before our very eyes; this number feels as ‘free and empowering’ as ever, and as Baker says; very ‘important for the time of today’ when looking to its subject matter.
Tied at the hip by a captivating Sekou Abineri directed visual experience; the two are showcased swaying through a plethora of locations; singing within a homely living room, an outdoor make-shift studio and a vacated swimming pool, as they dangle their locs over the pool’s rim, reciting the seamless number.
It’s no surprise Rachel has become the talk of the town, with her presence being noticed by nearly any name that holds weight within the industry right now; the likes of Radio 1’s very own Annie Mac have even featured her as their ‘New Name’ on Radio 1’s Future sound - I mean can you really blame her?
Ensuing the easing of the tedious lockdown cycle, Rachel also has a number of sold out shows she’s set to headline at the end of the month which is bound to be insane - so if you’re lucky, you may even be able to get some tickets flying around for resale, but if you’ve already grabbed a seat, this new number here is sure to set in those goosebumps live. But less of me talking; make sure you run up ‘November’ and check out the gorgeous video over on Rachel’s Youtube channel!