The Grove: A Sonic Journey Through Funk, Soul, and Indie

The Grove is a seven-member band hailing from South London, led by the distinctive and mesmerising vocals of Habiba Sesay, who immediately captivates listeners. 

Their music merges funk, soul, and indie influences, brilliantly highlighted in their self-titled debut EP, ‘The Grove’, released in early August this year. This collection of songs is both diverse and cohesive, offering an adventurous sound that is powerful, fluid, and dynamic.

‘The Grove’ begins with ‘Meadow Blues,’ a delicate track that sets the tone with its soft drumbeat, establishing the track’s melody. This is complemented by a gentle acoustic guitar arrangement and a subtly funky bass line that creates a groovy, distinct downbeat. The vocal harmonies are captivating, as Sesay’s graceful vocals blend seamlessly with rich male voices, creating a striking yet calming contrast.

‘All I’ve Said’  begins with a solitary acoustic guitar at a slow tempo, soon joined by the rich, velvety male vocals. Sesay's voice emerges like a shadow, adding depth to the emotive performance. The pay off is a beautiful, bittersweet track that evokes a sense of longing, as reflected in its poignant lyrics: “It’s all I’ve said / That I won’t say again / It’s in my head but I’d give anything to be around / I’m tired and coming down, it's hard to sleep inside this dream / It’s all I need”. Despite its deep vulnerability, the song's gentle tempo provides a soothing listening experience.

‘Wales Interlude’ is full of experimentation, showcasing The Grove's creative approach to breaking up the EP with a wave of sound. The band plays with distortion through elongated, drawn-out guitars that evoke a psychedelic rock feel. The incorporation of percussion and spoken word adds a sense of improvisation, a hallmark often seen in funk.

‘Morning’s Mood’ fuses elements of blues, pop, and funk to create a fresh take on R&B. The track kicks off with a rhythmic drum pattern that alternates the kick and snare, setting the stage for a dynamic rap performance complemented by delicate piano melodies. The song features precise rhythmic quantization, shimmering effects, and stunning vocals.

‘Flame,’ the EP's final track, begins with a soft guitar arrangement and rhythmic percussion, gradually building in intensity. While the song grows more purposeful and powerful, it maintains its gentle tone throughout.

The Grove's self-titled EP is truly exceptional. They artfully merge diverse musical elements and genres to create a unique sound, experimenting with tempo and intent to deliver a joyful and dreamy listening experience.

Ana Joy King

@anajoyking

Image: ‘The Grove’ Official EP Cover