EP Review: Rita Satch – Rita Satch
2 min read
Melbournes own Rita Satch makes us aware of her musical arrival with the self titled second EP. Having been apart of the cities Jazz and Neo-Soul scene she steps into her own shoes with a taste of Blue Eyed Soul and Neo-Soul driven songs that flesh out her vocal talent and make us stand up and ask “where to next for Rita”?
Many have carried on the torch that Amy Winehouse lifted with the likes of Adele, Paloma Faith, Duffy, Aaradhna all having re-ignited the vintage Soul and R&B sound that is identified with the 60’s. Rita and producer RHyno capture all the essential elements to a reincarnation of the kind.
Not Ready for Love brings a powerful vocal performance from Rita that is consistent the whole way through. When she sings “say what you gotta say, do what you gotta do” she isn’t mincing words. Her backing vocals are sweet, supporting her woman’s cry for her man to step up or simply ‘hit the road jack and don’t ya come back’. The balance of vocal reverb with silky string arrangements from known violinist Tim Fain top off a well written song.
Heartbreaker follows in similar fashion to Not Ready for Love with a Motown air to it. Rita draws on the soulful styling of her predecessors Amy Winehouse & Adele to produce something that has cinematic drama to it in Reach for You. She moves in and out between verse and chorus in harmony with the strings building tension and releasing emotion at the right times.
Love You Like I Do reminds me of Erykah Badu’s On and On with a down beat Neo-Soul sound to it. Her jazz background comes out in this one. Her voice seems to really transfer well into the more modern R&B sounding artist.
Go is, in my opinion, the hit within the EP. It is a well produced electronic pop song with simple instrumentation forcing her to carry the song which she does stunningly. This song could be the platform for her to build a successful pop career from if she wants it.
It is fitting that this EP is self titled. It shows us who Rita is, what she can do and the way a good writing team can bring the best out of her. I look forward to her future works and hope they can take her to new heights.
