Armelle “Here I Go”

The opening salvo samples a soul 70s ambient vibe then abruptly swivels into another gear on “Vows”. Think Wiz Khalifa and Curreny circa 2010 when they first emerged on the scene. That’s the moxie and essence the Atlanta native Armelle portrays on his provocative EP released November 5th, 2019.

First impression lasts forever and Armelle optimizes the opportunity with his opening line “On a mission so I’m about to get it, hope you N***** ready when I make a million.” Emphatic statement proclaiming his intention, and his purpose for embarking on this journey as an artist. The rhymes are in such rapid succession, displaying his lyrical prowess. Henceforth, showcasing each bar allowing it to leave its residue on the listener’s psyche. Coupled, with a spacious palette the production could simply be described as tranquility. With each instrument filling the measures with purpose, driven by the electric guitar the riffs played are flawless. Unflappable, in his approach, establishing his mantra from the onset Georgia’s own Armelle is putting the music industry on notice, and is on a mission to fulfill his ambition on his latest EP titled “Here I Go”.

Sequencing to the next selection “Phonebook” which is more drug induced sonically making it an intriguing listen. The eerily produced backdrop creates a somber milieu. The kick drums are well tuned and obnoxious. Armelle nonchalantly raps “who can hate on that when the goal is, to go make me a name, and buy thousands of things, and spend time and time working and spanning my brain, and perfecting and fixing these words that I’m saying, I’m trying to do numbers like the yellow pages”. There the Atlanta native reinforces his mantra.

Followed by “Empty Bottles Flows” which is indicative of its title. Armelle puts on an a adroit performance giving you a sedated vibe with his slow drawl. The inebriated performance is plausible, conjoined with an oddly constructed beat. Some of his most defiant bars are unleashed in this particular recording stating “Not a trapper and I’m not a rapper, I’m rollin tide like I’m Alabama”.

Transitioning to “No Separation” the production is gripping. The filtered vocals are repressed symbolically representing the status of his relationship and its growth throughout the recording. As the vocals become more distinct and clear the terms of how the relationship is defined also is expressed more palpably. This is another Bonnie & Clyde rendition that will resonate with anyone in a serious relationship, whether it be long tenured or honeymoon centered. The chime and the filtered Rhodes are the perfect element for this production enhancing the aesthetic of the record.

Closing out the EP with adherence to the old idiom saving the best for last “Fortune 500”. The sped up sample is captivating and the producer utilizes a lowpass filter keeping it interesting. The lyricism on this recording are at the forefront. Reinstating mantras from previous records cohesively tying this EP together with an exclamation. Armelle spills lyrics uttering “Melly bout to bring it home”. Along, with other standout lyrics such as “get some bank, I’m a higher rank, that’ll ship a sank, if you come to me, you goin’ need a tank, give it all you got, plus the kitchen sink, look., so much life I gotta go live, thinking twice no not over here”.

Throughout the EP the messaging is deliberate, and more so qualifies as affirmations. The production is very airy, haunting pads creating an astral spacey atmosphere. His vocals and wordplays are captivating luring you in with the slow drawl, but effectively displaying adept rhyming ability employing rapid couplets. What needs some adjustments are the quality of the recordings. The messaging, production, and identity expressed on this EP is valid. This is the inception of Armelle musical journey while sending out an alert to the industry. Backed by spacey inspired production this forming star is ready to launch on “Here I Go”.