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The duo of multi-instrumentalist Nate Harasim and singer Deborah
Connors form the smooth ambient/R&B-soul outfit De'Nate.
Their debut record Reminisce has creamy ambient textures relatable
to Great Britain's Kate Havnevik, and smooth rolling grooves
emblematic of Lizz Wright. The prized track is De'Nate's remake
of The Eurythmics single "Sweet Dreams" as Harasim
and Connors give the song a new look by inducing pinholes of velvety
atmospherics into the roving pulses and Connors' handling of the vocal
melody, which is quite distinct from Annie Lennox, is nonetheless
just as finessed, penetrating and aurally stunning. Connors' vocals
have a sensual caress as Harasim's arrangement is elegantly landscaped
in cascading synths, dulcetly lanced guitar cuts and supplely moving
beats.
De'Nate indulges their tastebuds in upbeat tempos with the dancetrack
"Let Your Body Move" injecting cool swiveling motions that
fire up the passages. But then again, De'Nate's forte are their romantically
spruced arias like "All You Are to Me" and "You Are
My Everything" harnessed in softly clasped trimmings and smooth
soul straps tied around Connors' vocals. The plush chords give the
songs a heavenly elevation, and the soft R&B textures that circuit
the melodic transistors are hypnotically phrased. There is a silky
feel in Connors' vocals as the flutter in her valves moves sensually
around Harasim's seductive entrappings. This is most apparent in "Secret
Garden" as the harmony vocals of Jim Salamone complement
Connors' lead beautifully. The soft spray of the synths is relaxing
and the gentle flux of the rhythmic swells have an affectionate stroking
that lets the listener lay back on the melodic pillows.
Reminisce warms the soul and impales the senses with shots
of serenity. It's standard smooth soul fused with contemporary ambient
escapes that arouse dreamy sensations. The music of De'Nate melts
away stress while keeping the listener on a heavenly plane. In this
way, it is an album that is made for everyone.
-Susan Frances
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