Album Review Rhye - Home

Isolation from the outside world has surely given even the most restless souls a newfound appreciation for their own domain. Perhaps Rhye ringleader Michael Milosh is one of the converted, as ‘Home’ taps into the healing aspects and the joys found within the family unit. ‘Beautiful’ finds Michael taking solace in the people around him, while the blissful ‘Come In Closer’ documents both the vulnerability and appreciation that comes from sharing your life with others. Neo-soul number ‘Black Rain’ is a particular highlight, the defiant tone of the track inspired by his real-world close call with a California wildfire. In among the ever-present disco rhythms, ambient synths and Rhye’s trademark ethereal vocals, you can’t help forgetting your mouldy bedsit reality and instead tap into a sort of halcyon nostalgia. It’s a powerful remedy. That isn’t to say it’s without its faults. Near the halfway mark it slips into more repetitive sonic patterns and this reduces the impact of several tracks, leaving the album markedly lopsided. It also rarely strays from Rhye’s own well trodden path. It’s comforting like an old blanket. Perhaps a bit itchy in places, but when things get cold it’s just what you need.