Dissolve (LP) - Carli Monai (R&B) - We’re starting November off with an LP review which comes from a newcomer to the blog, as Carli Monai, bringing us her recent LP “Dissolve”. Featuring 8 tracks plus an intro and outro—we love a bookend—”Dissolve” is a collection of silky smooth neo-soul cuts that pair deliciously with a hot bath and a glass of wine. But before we dissolve into “Dissolve”, let’s get to know Carli a bit.
Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, the Aliquippa, PA native Carli Monai is a soul singer, bringing influences from neo-soul, quiet storm and jazz. With her music, Carli seeks to soothe her listeners through lush chords, vocal harmonies and breakbeats. Preceding “Dissolve” is a string of singles dating all the way back to her first track, “Do I Lead?”, in 2019, and a prior album this year in “WOWEE VOL 1”.
The album is a work in and of itself, elevating the project beyond a mere collection of tracks. The entire project is a vibe, often luxuriating in its instrumentals to set the tone of the piece, including but not limited to the intro, outro and mid-album instrumental intermission—the warbled and quirky “Movin’ Cool.” With such an emphasis on musicality, Carli’s vocals are often treated as an additional instrument in the arrangement, blending seamlessly into the mix with doubling, subtle panning and plush background stacking. The neo-soul influences are clear here, from Jill Scott to Erykah Badu to Angie Stone. But the project actually reminds us most of one of our favorites, and very much slept on, “How I Do?” from Res. Here are some of the standouts:
“Fly”, the first full track of the project, introduces the jazzy chord structures that will permeate the project, taking the listener on a trip. “With the help of mary jane”, the feathery soft vocals coax the listener through the clouds. Bonus points for the nod to the S.O.S. Band.
“In My Bones” turns up the ‘rainy day cafe’ feels with the twinkle of rodes and crinkles of vinyl, creating a nostalgia dripped record about surety in love. This track is made for an indie movie love sequence flashback. In “Where”, Carli seeks a drama free existence, as she asks where all the good people went. The song wanders as the artist wonders.
Our final favorite, “Last Nerve” is the only track with some edge to it, with Carli letting you know right off the bat that “this bitch gets on my nerves.” This record gives us Jill Scott “Gettin’ In The Way” vibes, though Carli takes a more positive spin by declaring her “healing season.” The lyrics are particularly memorable on this one, though the pen game throughout the album is solid.
All in all, it’s an expertly crafted soulful project that is the chillest vibe you’ll find on the streaming platforms. Expertly mixed and balanced, it’s a quality piece of art that we recommend for all your rainy days.
Track List:
Expressway (Intro)
Fly
Cool
In My Bones
Where
Movin’ Cool
So Soft
Wait
Last Nerve
Finis (Outro)