Aurora Dee Raynes is a group from London that started in 2012, when vocalist Danielle Kranendonk (aka DanDans K) teamed up with producer Stephen Raynes (aka Touchy Subject). After making their debut on Tru Thoughts with the single “Find My Way,” in 2018, the group expanded into a live band. They were joined by drummer/producer Tristan Williams (aka Tehbis), keyboardist Nicholas Johnson, bassist/guitarist Richard Summers, and guitarist/vocalist Yohan Forbes. They released a full-length album, Invisible Things, in 2021, and since then we’ve gotten a couple of remixes. Now they are back with a new EP, Ribbon of Hot Plasma.

Using some astrophysics as an inspirational jumping off point to name the EP and to inspire the themes and titles of a couple of songs, the universe never sounded so sexy and soulful. That’s because Aurora Dee Raynes has been crafting their music together for a minute now, and in that time, they’ve unlocked some tasty grooves and developed some incredibly chemistry together. You can generally classify their sound as neo-soul, as these slow jams are filled with jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and hip hop. The musicianship is incredible, but more importantly, everyone is playing within the service of the song, meaning that it’s all about the nuance, the balance, and the vibe over the course of these four songs. Leading the way is the sultry and passionate vocals of Kranendonk, who also never does too much with her voice, just crafting these great melodies and singing with great tone. That said, there are a few moments when the dynamics of the song build and she can step into the spotlight and really belt for a moment, which just makes it count that much more when she does. More than anything, though, this is an EP full of really thoughtful and passionate reflection from the group, and Kranendonk does an excellent job of being that entry point into the music with her carefully crafted intimate lyrics and warm and inviting voice.

Ribbon of Hot Plasma EP is a project that just immediately feels familiar, with its excellent grooves, songwriting, and musicianship. Aurora Dee Raynes continue to build and grow as a group, and they’ve given us lot of depth within just a four-song release.