The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Ro James was born into a family of musicians including singer Rosie Gaines, a member of Prince's New Power Generation. It's hardly surprising then that you can feel The Purple One’s influence on his second album, Mantic. The track Be Mine is totally imbued with it, bordering on homage, as is Excuse Me to a lesser extent. Though Ro James doesn’t simply copy his idols. This record is a tangle of cheeky R&B, with influences from Frank Ocean (Cherry on Top) and David Jordan (Powder Room). And yet Mantic still sounds completely original. While we often praise albums for their cohesiveness, we shouldn't overlook versatility and diversity. This album is proof. © Brice Miclet/Qobuz