The Oliver brothers, Darrell and Rodney, certainly put something vital in place. Their debut single is titled “The G.O.A.L.” Alongside respected R&B artist Sean-Tezz, they demonstrate that the wait is worth it.
Whereas most newcomers try to get into the spotlight as quickly as possible, OLAAF takes a more understated approach, composing and producing in the background and breathing life into soundscapes instead. With the legacy of their ancestors rooted in their music, there is a throughline from the classic R&B sounds they grew up on, which contributed to their harmonies and storytelling skills, to the current-day ways of making music.
“The G.O.A.L.” embodies that mission. It's a lush, mid-tempo R&B groove that is tailor-made for summer nights on the surface, and the layers underneath are equally as meticulous. Speaking about the song, she explained, “To me, the central message is a celebration of female value- told with warm harmony arrangements and an esteem-riddled vocal tone which strives to sound respectful & admiring. Even as everything precisely aligns, executed rhythms, including the pulsing basslines and vocal harmonies that lushly sweep in and out of the mix.
Sean-Tezz rides the wave, delivering teeth-gritting verse to verse. He may have made a name for himself as one of the members of R&B group 7-Mile (who were previously signed to Mariah Carey's Crave Records), but his appearance brings not only an exceptional voice, but also a sense of nostalgia back into play. His execution is self-assured and gentle, gracefully fronting the exteriors of melodies while oozing into OLAAF's harmonies. His voice lends a nostalgic quality to the song, evoking a bygone era of R&B that bridges the old with the new.
This first song by OLAAF stands out due to its professional-grade feel. This is not an introduction in a hurry, but the opening of a carefully designed first chapter from artists who deliver with quality before quantity. The G.O.A.L. paints a picture of OLAAF as no mere flash in the pan newcomers, but curators and keepers of the R&B flame, one that pays homage to their predecessors while blazing a hot new trail.
Connect with OLAAF: Spotify
