8/10

Even before they dropped their highly-praised debut album 'HEATWAVE' in 2018, New York's MICHELLE had already built this reputation as a laid-back yet wildly innovative collective. Their approach to R&B and neo-soul influences were matched with their rich and explorative creativity that gave them a sound that was not only familiar, but completely distinctive to their own driven direction, and instantly marking them as one of the more exciting new names emerging at the time. Now with another bundle of new singles under their belt, they return with their sophomore full-length 'AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS', another dose of their fine aesthetic to date.

While not much has changed sonically between these two records, 'AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS' seems to have this more well-rounded and meticulously crafted production behind it. While their original work had a rawer and more organic feel, there has clearly been an attempt to add a more textured layers to their music. Not only does this new feel pay off dividends, regularly bringing life and vigour to their material, but allows them to explore more glossy and effervescent ideals that allow each song to shimmer and soar as it plays.

It may be more of the same from MICHELLE, but that is hardly a problem. From the very start, 'AFTER DINNER WE TLK DREAMS' aims to be a bright and uplifting venture throughout their wonderfully woozy guise, and it maintains that level of quality throughout almost every single offering.