Tei Shi
Verde (Mermaid Avenue)
It is more than likely that you've heard of Valerie Teicher (aka Tei Shi) before. After coming out in the blogosphere with 2013's Saudade EP, she quickly became Hype Machine material with her blend of ethereal R&B and electronic beats, but her exquisite voice is what truly made her memorable in the ocean of sea-punks and witch-house divas.
The Argentina-born part-time-Vancouverite returns with Verde, her sophomore EP, made up of five songs her press release describes as "Mermaid Rock". In opening track "Can't Be Sure", she is a feathery R&B goddess, displaying fragility and femininity in her soft palate voice. "Bassically" is an intentionally misspelled banger featuring her manipulated primal scream and an ‘80s synth bass that sounds both like a Nintendo game and Depeche Mode B-side.
"Get It" closes the album with a simple Rhodes electric piano and icy layered vocals, giving you visions of Sade and, somehow, D'Angelo. She's cool, laid back and completely in control.
Verde is a wonderful step in the right direction for Tei Shi. She sounds stronger and more confident in her songwriting, and truly keeps getting better as she finds her sound and voice.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
