Album Review: Jhelisa – Galactica Rush

One of the more compelling musical undercurrents of the ‘90s and beyond is trip hop. Bands like Massive Attack and Zero 7 crafted a sound that drew from jazz and soul, with a sleek and urbane sensibility. Yet it all sounded positively modern. Many of those groups adopted a guest-vocal approach, not unlike (of all things) the Alan Parsons Project; each tune would feature a vocalist whose skills best suit the specific material. So it was that Jackson, Mississippi-born Jhelisa Anderson would sing lead on Massive Attack’s Heligoland.

By that point in her career, Anderson had already made a mark, singing with Paul Weller and others. And she had already released her solo debut, 1994’s Galactica Rush. Now – more than 30 years after its release – that record is receiving a vinyl reissue.

The title track is hypnotic and knotty at once. The instrumentation often feels like musical crosstalk, with wild, free-form sax lines darting in and out of the mix. But the sultry, throbbing beat and Jhelisa’s cool vocals bring it all together. “There’s Noting Wrong” is funkier, with a feel reminiscent of ‘70s soul. Yet it doesn’t feel especially retro. And here Jhelisa’s singing is strong and assertive, contrasting with her understated delivery on the opener.

Those stuttering trip hop beats form the foundation of the head-nodder “Hold My Peace.” The tune splits the difference between a hypnotic vibe and a kinetic character, folding in some wonderful strings, shimmering piano and acoustic guitar for a cinematic feel. “Whirl Keeps Turning” is a showcase for Jhelisa’ peerless vocals. With stacked harmonies, it’s thrilling stuff. The subtle wah-wah guitar only makes it better. The tune does bear an unsettling and unexpected similarity to – believe it or not – Steve Miller Band’s “Fly Like an Eagle.”

“Death of a Soul Diva” serves up more unexpected sounds, this time in the form of a harmonica intro. The arrangement has a Steely Dan-meets-the ‘00s feel. “Friendly Pressure” showcases some strikingly beautiful acoustic guitar, some of Jhelisa’s best vocal work yet and a rock-solid, slinky beat. In fact the drum work on Galactica Rush – even though it’s often programmed – is among the album’s most striking and fully-realized features.

“Baby God” has plenty of tasty Jhelisa vocal work, but its arrangement is the track’s most notable quality. By this point in the album, the programmed beats – alluring as they may be – begin to feel a bit static. To be fair, as a listening experience, Galactica Rush is set up in a way that ultimately makes the consistent percussion a feature, not a bug.

“Sweet Dreams (4UIC)” has a ghostly feel; the word “cinematic” comes again to mind. The album concludes with the lengthy “Secret Place.” The track has exotic percussion elements and a dreamy, placid feel. Jhelisa’s cool, stacked vocals are reminiscent – somehow – of David Bowie’s Lodger-era musical adventures.

“Friendly Pressure” was, by the way, was also the subject of a series of house/dub remixes by Sunship. Available separately on 12” vinyl, the single with five versions of “Friendly Pressure” will appeal to dance fans; listening types may find it of less value. This listener finds them relentlessly annoying, headache-inducing and ultimately pointless. But seeing as how Jhelisa Anderson had no real involvement in their creation, let’s not hold the single’s existence against her. Instead let’s celebrate the overlooked wonder that is Galactica Rush.