Both based out of New England, USA, lyricist, singer, and rapper Alyssa Jane, and producer SV (Sean Veligor)’s new album is called Neo Phily.

By Graeme Smith

If, like me, you are constantly seeking the new, then you’re going to find a lot to relate with in Neo Phily. The album derives its name from the term neophilia, or the love something new. It’s a suitable name with it giving us a sound that will spark the interest of all those in search of the latest trend.

The freshness starts right from the off with the smooth, laidback yet cutting-edge style of Kerosene. Alyssa’s vocals are easy to get lost in, oozing with charisma and delivering lyrics with a certain effortlessness. All the while they’re backed by a jazzy and soulful instrumental that feels retro and modern in equal measure.

Leave takes things in a moodier direction thanks to some stripped-back percussion and lingering notes. Pressed simmers with an emotional tension lightened by a move-inducing groove. Trip on Me rounds off the album’s early listening with a dreamy, electronic excursion.

If it was already proving difficult to define the pair’s sound, things are further complicated by the sultry and introspective R&B moment that is Down to Zero, the experimental vocal layers of How it’s Made and the boom bap beats of If You’ve Been Bad. Album closer Slow Motion then adds some lo-fi at the finish. Yet, the album never loses its coherence, or its desire to push each of its genres into the future.

Alyssa Jane and SV have teamed up to create an absolute gem with their new album. Top notch production meets compelling storytelling, expertly delivered by Alyssa’s sung and rapped vocals. If you’re looking for something new today, look no further than Neo Phily.

Neo Phily is out now available to buy on 12″ vinyl via Jim’s Pool Room Records, St. Louis, Missouri and on major streaming platforms. You can check it out below.