Trained in the world of jazz but with a predilection for soul and R&B flavours, Reuben James enjoyed a sell-out show at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club last week – a hopeful sign that the live music scene will be back on its feet soon. Like earlier single ‘Tunnel Vision’ – featuring Daley, Frida Toura, and Tom Misch – James brings together several of his contemporaries on latest single ‘Closer’.

He explains: “Closer is a track with a fun, tongue-in-cheek vibe that is based around the first time I met my girl in a whisky bar in LA – when I was there for The Oscars! It features some of my favourites – Sophie Faith, an incredible singer I met through Linden Jay. Jay Prince, a previous collaborator who laid down a dope verse. And the production was by Carrtoons – an amazing artist who also laid down the incredibly filthy bass line. Hopefully, this song can brighten up people’s vibe now that lockdown is coming to an end and parties can start again!”

The track is a tightly constructed slice of neo-soul, where James’ vocals (breathy, intimate, with a slight croak) juxtapose nicely against Faith’s airy textures.