VanJess — Homegrown

Decades ago, R&B groups had a permanent place atop the charts. Groups like TLC and Boyz II Men defined the 1990s and became the standard for the next generation of artists and producers.

Since then, the popularity and number of R&B groups have declined dramatically. Today, artists have decided to form strategic partnerships with producers. NxWorries consists of Anderson .Paak and the uber-talented beatmaker Knxwledge. DSVN, the Canadian duo of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, gained a national following with their latest album, A Muse in Her Feelings. These “groups” are appealing to listeners as they blend traditional R&B with the production of underground rap. Yet, the success of Chloe X Halle proves that R&B groups still have a place within the genre. Thankfully, Chloe X Halle isn’t the only one bucking the trend.

VanJess — formed by sisters Jessica and Ivana Nwokike — operate between the forgotten sounds of the 90s and the future. Their voices are so similar it can be difficult at times to tell exactly who is singing. Overtime, Ivana’s fuller voice presents a pleasant contrast with her sister’s lighter tone. Their 2018 debut album, Silk Canvas, showcased the ability and willingness to blend genres.

The album’s sixth track, “Addicted”, is a smooth paced song centered around a hard-hitting percussion arrangement. Their vocals are layered in a manner that sounds similar to Groove Theory’s “Good 2 Me.” Yet, upbeat tracks like “Touch the Floor” are where VanJess shine. Their electro-funk and house instrumentals present an aesthetic that is often sought after but hard to make work.

Homegrown, their latest EP, is more refined and continues with their unique brand of R&B. Features from Devin Morrison and Brooklyn band Phony Ppl give the project moments of soul and folk. Kaytranada’s production of “Dysfunctional” takes VanJess to another level with its rich synthesizers and clap tracks. The duo is at their best on “High & Dry” and “Roses” where they flex a harmony that is absent from R&B today. For Brownstone, their strength was each other. Their hook on “Grapevyne” presented the power and beauty of their voices when put together. VanJess is no different and seems most comfortable and empowered when singing in unison.

The harmonies and grooves on Homegrown often made me think of Zhane’s 1994 debut album Pronounced Jah-Nay. Like Zhane, VanJess’s authenticity and feel make them hard not to like. No matter the tempo or the subject, VanJess is always in control. At its core, Homegrown showcases where modern R&B is headed while reminding us of what it’s been missing.