MUSIC . . . GROOVE THEORY

"A mature, well-crafted debut" is how TIME's Christopher John Farley describes the eponymously titled first album from the New York City-based alternative rhythm and blues duo Groove Theory. The album is remarkably consistent; every song amply lives up to the promise of the sweetly insinuating first single "Tell Me". Groove Theory is a restrained affair, with reservoirs of emotion. Singer-lyricist Amel Larrieux's voice is a placid soprano with an intriguing hint of hidden hurt that evokes the gently aching style of Sade, or Beth Gibbons of the British band Portishead.