Ramona + the Riot are kicking our year off right with their sensationally sultry, aptly named, single ‘2020’. Fusing fundamentals of pop, soul, rock and R&B, Ramona + the Riot are expanding on a canon of formidable female forces carving a space in the popular music landscape. This group are no rookie to that landscape either; having been featured in Best of NPR Music for a second time last year, DELTA Grammy winners and earning the title of St. Augustine’s number one award-winning cover song ensemble. However, this is no surprise when you look at the elite ensemble that makes up Ramona + the Riot. Vocalist Jeanetta Salyer, guitarist Alberto Cebollero, saxophone sensation Chris Kearnes, banging bassist Paul Jackson, keyboard king Liston Gregory, trumpet talent Robert Bidwell and drummer Jamal Wright each bring their secret speciality to the unique, flavour-fuelled blend of the band. Whilst making waves in the music scenes overseas, Ramona + the Riot continue their captivating music ventures with their latest single ‘2020’.
‘2020’ is the beautiful, balladesque track bursting onto our playlists this month. Soaring over a soundscape of elegant piano patterns, sultry strings and wonderfully restrained rhythmic lines, Jeanetta’s vibrant vocals stand centre stage. With all the passion and performance prowess of an artist in their prime, Jeanetta’s relentlessly raw vocals sail over the sea of tonal textures below. Alberto Cebollero’s guitar lines consume space between Jeanetta’s laments, creating a captivating sort of call and response throughout the track. Ramona + the Riot’s musical mastery is undeniable in this certified banger, as a crescendo creeps in accumulating in an absolutely astounding bridge. It’s at this exact moment you can see why they deserve a spot amongst the greats. At its core, ‘2020’ boasts the brilliance of this bands expertise as they flex every musical muscle in the ballad of the year. Whilst 2020 might be a year many of us would rather forget, this track is, without doubt, unforgettable.
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By Sasha Lauryn