Everyone knew that Sudan Archives (real name Brittney Parks) would one day release a belter of an album. Well, here it is. Natural Brown Prom Queen is a dive into a lost world somewhere between modern RnB, electronic glitch and the upbeat violin melodies that the album’s creator loves so much. There’s an unwavering determination in tracks like ‘Selfish Soul’ and ’Home Maker’. Sudan Archives’ musical prowess allows her to employ dozens of different elements without ever seeming to lose herself in her intentions. For example, ’Freakalizer’ mixes 808 rhythms with a repetitive piano and measured autotune without omitting the choral aspect that affords Natural Brown Prom Queen its cohesive sound. The American likes to switch up the tempos, as heard on ‘NBPQ (Topless)’, where she explores a radical sound before letting her melodic flights of fancy take off in the outro. She also blends 80s pop inspirations on ’Milk Me’ without ever falling into the trap of creating a mere cover or clichéd sound, always remaining faithful to her aesthetic and to the audacity of her label, Stones Throw Records. This second album seems to announce her arrival at the artistic destination that had been mapped out five years ago. A real milestone within her career. © Brice Miclet/Qobuz