The slew of ‘90s-informed R&B continues graciously into 2014. This isn’t to say New Jersey songstress Alus’ debut project Alustrious gleams with only retro fare, but some of the better moments on the EP do have nostalgic flavor, with EP opener “Nobody,” it’s near-Timbaland percussion flourishing deep in the mix during the chorus, leading the pack. Besides maybe 3, most songs are contemporary, palatable, feel-good R&B, save for maybe “Relapse.” It’s not the strongest debut we’ve seen from R&B artists of the past couple of years, but it sure does make the 20-year-old Alus seem promising.
Download the EP below.