Strange Froots - Blossom This Froot for Thought EP Review

Montreal R&B outfit Strange Froots, composed of members Naïka Champaïgne (a.k.a. DragonFroot), Mags Mbow (a.k.a PassionFroot), and Sage Stewart-La Bonte (a.k.a StarFroot) have been making serious waves on the local music scene and beyond with their unique collaborative sound. Although it was a relatively short time ago that the three met in 2014 through Nobad Sound Studios in Cote-des-Neiges, they have since released two EP’s that showcase their versatility as multiinstrumentalists, producers, beatmakers, and songwriters. In spring of 2016, Strange Froots became CJLO’s On Rotation Artist in Residence, where they recorded their EP Blossom This Froot For Thought right here in the CJLO studios. CJLO Magazine contributor Rachelle Barrett sat down to analyze the group’s latest effort, and to share her thoughtful enthusiasm about the tracks. Find the review below. 

    "The album Blossom This Froot For Thought features a texture that is unlike anything else I’ve heard from the Strange Froots trio, beginning with the first track, Afro Punkass, which features musicians Malika Tirolien and Tshizimba. The French rapping over electronic beats adds such an irresistible cosmopolitan energy to the song. It makes me look forward to what the rest of the EP has to offer. 

    In the serene and subdued Sunflower Soul, a guitar is softly strummed as beat boxing carries the melody along. My only critique is that this song is only one minute and thirteen seconds long. I wish it were longer. The next track, Million, is very powerful. It is just as serene as Sunflower Soul, but it also carries a certain heart that is so unmistakably found in rock and roll or hip-hop. The girls’ harmonies are completely mesmerizing. The overall message in this song is not to worry about being an outcast, because no one else’s opinions matters. Watch your own grass, because if you pay too much attention to other’s progress, your grass will never grow. And if you be you, you will be truly happy. 

    On The 3 Fates, the instrumentation sounds slightly somber and mysterious. Strings add the perfect amount of overwrought tension to the song. When the girls rap in this song, just like any other, it is straight fire. If this album were a story, this song would be the conflict. I have just to assume the next song is the part of recovery or salvation.

    On first impressions, Darling (ft. Lucas Charlie Rose and m.a) may be just that. The low base and slow singing sets a “settled” mood for the listener. It isn’t giving up, although perhaps it is acceptance. The lyrics help prove my proposition. “Loving you darling would kill me right now, so go”, the song says. It is simple yet powerful language. 

    The last track, Getcha Froot On [Missy Elliott Remix] is a feel good, pep-talk type of song to me, borrowing a sample from Missy Elliott’s Getcha Freak On. This song makes me want to get up and dance. Definitely the best way to end this album."

   Photo credits: Strange Froots Facebook