With a continual influx of artists who possess equal measures of hype and talent, reigning in both and maintaining that same level of excelling consistency is not something that's easily attainable. Yet, as we've seen through numerous single and EP releases, it's something Rationale has down to a T. A long time in the making, but one that's most certainly been worth the wait, his debut self titled long player is undoubtedly one of the most exciting releases this year. From a mysterious artist debuting his sound in 2015, through to this present day, the Zimbabwean-born, British-residing artist has nurtured his skill to a level that now sees him pack out venues and festival tents, the crowd singing back each and every word at the top of their lungs. Something he's never taken for granted with the undying gratitude exuded on his face throughout performances.

With his debut single Fast Lane nearing half a million Soundcloud streams in as little as 30 days, it was safe to say an impression was made and it set the foundation for what lays ahead as album opener Re-Up follows in similar fashion. Anyone clued up to Rationale will know all too well the depth of his soulful expression and nothing comes quite as close to perfection as his insanely impressive vocal control. Something he demonstrates so well throughout.

Where a lot of artist's choose their happy medium, rattling through tracks like it's a job they'd rather not be in, Tinashé Fazakerley leaves nothing to chance never to rest on his laurels. Each track serves as a stand-alone piece through its unique direction and sound, all owing to his fluid-like songwriting and composure. From Oil and Water's exhilarating production and high tempo percussion to the chime of Loving Life, a true garage and 2-step renaissance, we're treated to no two songs alike. And whilst we've heard many of them before, Prodigal Son, Fuel To The Fire & Deliverance to name but a few, they still sound as fresh as the day they were released.

Elsewhere on the album Losing Sleep and most recent single Into The Blue sees him reach a new height of pop-perfected brilliance as his soaring sensibilities lend their hand to a chest rattling bassline and infectious chorus respectively. Try as you might, you won't find an artist with quite as much dynamic depth as Rationale presents. From the striking and blistering powerhouse single Tumbling Down, through to the album finale Somewhere To Belong, a track that sees him enter his most vulnerable state yet, the breadth of his talent is breathtaking to say the least. With no shimmering production to hide behind, a bereft backdrop of softly plucked guitar notes lay at the forefront to his number one instrument stealing the show once more; his impeccable vocals. Something he's truly made his own, layered together in haunting fashion it seems only fitting to conclude in such fashion

Rationale's self-titled debut is an outstanding body or art, underpinned by his exquisite vocal control and soulful dexterity. Anyone with a set-in-stone end of year list may very well need to tear it up and start again. With writing credits for the likes of Rag'n'Bone Man through to Katy Perry, having long worked behind the scenes, here is his time to shine as he steps out from the shadow with an immediate and bold effort like no other.




Live Dates
15 October - Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
17 October - Glasgow, Oran Mor
18 October - Newcastle, The Cluny
19 October - Manchester, Sound Control
22 October - Portsmouth, The Wedgewood Rooms
24 October - Birmingham, The Hare and Hounds
25 October - Brighton, The Haunt
26 October - London, Electric Ballroom

f: www.facebook.com/iamrationale