Ari Lennox. Photo by Justin Lamotte via Wikimedia Commons
As the summer comedown hits and the sedate chill of autumn begins, it's the perfect season for some progressive soul music, and Ari Lennox is here to deliver. On Thursday night, the Washington singer-songwriter shared a surprise five-track EP called Away Message, out via Dreamville/Interscope.
The new music, Lennox explained on Instagram, is a teaser before the September 9 release of her album age/sex/location. "Off the internet until 9/9 so here’s my away message to you all 😘. New EP to hold you over until the album, love ya ❤️."
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The new music is full of appreciation: for good sex ("Tatted," "Gummy") as well as Lennox's own sense of self-worth in the context of romantic relationships ("Queen Space" featuring Summer Walker, "No Settling"). On the closing track "Bitter," Lennox merges the two into a piercingly ambivalent ballad with a standout vocal performance. Listen to them all below.
