Review: Maxine Scott - New To This EP (Ramrock Blue)

More new releases from the Ramrock stable finds a more mature Maxine Scott being 'New To This'.

As the last release, with Alf.E, 'Guard Down (see review HERE) was a step up from the previous single, also with Alf.E, 'SXC' (see review HERE), even with some child like giggles, this is shows further evidence that Ms. Scott is one to follow. 
With the instrumental, the beats are matched with some strings and dreamy harp to the slightly saucey lyrics.

If you're new to the work of Maxine, you may have heard her 'Erykah U Bad' track last year that was popular on BBC 6 Music and then there was 'Ya Energy' which was more hip-hop than the tracks already mentioned.  And we're still promised a No'West remix of the new track, working with the Black Science Orchestra (so looking forward to the return of BSO) and a house EP with Andrew Sant!

Artist: Maxine Scott 

Title: New To This EP 

Release date: 30th June, 2023

Label: Ramrock Blue Records

Cat. No: RRB021

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Maxine Scott x Alf.E - Guard Down (Ramrock Blue Records)

Wow! Ramrock Blue Records are red hot with superstar Maxine Scott.  

Once more, the new release with beats maestro Alf.E is a perfect expression of modern love issues as 'Guard Down' follows the equally youthful, 'Ya Energy' and 'SXC' (all beloved of BBC 6 Music, FACE FM and other high quality radio stations worldwide).

'Guard Down' is arguably the most 'open' Ms. Scott has been lyrically on the three collaborations with Alf.E so far and therefore, most touching/emotional - get the cover artwork?

The only problem with these kids today (Ed. I feel a soapbox coming on) is why, oh why are these tracks so short?  I really don't get it!  If they can concentrate for 2 hours for "beats and instrumentals to help block out distraction" but over 3 minutes! (check out BBC Sounds' 'Focus Beats' which is apparently the in-thing at DJ school these days!)

Anyway, back to 'Guard Down', there are vocal and instrumental versions and watch out and in the future, there's more collaborations as she's a dance orientated session with producer  Andrew Sant, a solo track as part of the Black Science Orchestra's 30th Anniversary and a live gig at London's Jazz Cafe - life is moving fast for this young lady, let's hope she doesn't let her guard down.

Artist: Maxine Scott x Alf.E

Title: Guard Down

Release date: 24th February, 2023

Label: Ramrock Blue Records

Cat. No: RRB016

Format: Digital

Review: Maxine Scott x Alf.E - SXC (Ramrock Blue Records)

Ramrock Records are back with a new release on their Blue imprint as Maxine Scott x Alf.E follow up thier fantastic 'Ya Energy'.

You can guess why her first release was called 'Erykah U Bad' as there's obvious comparissons with her Badu-ness (but that's not at all, it's got to be better than good).

With a vocal and a beats version you might be thinking, "where's my fix of North Street West's usual trio of superb vocal/dub/instrumental remixes"?  But please don't as, in truth, you don't need them as this is so hypnotically groovey. 

It ain't X-rated or blue but definitely deep and SXC is already feeling it's going to be new 'golden era' in a blink of an eye.

Artist: Maxine Scott x Alf.E

Title: SXC

Release date: 14th November, 2022

Label: Ramrock Blue Records

Cat. No: RRB015

Format: Digital