In a landscape where loud tends to overpower the nuanced, Toronto's Jayd Ink brings a masterclass in quiet confidence on her new record, "Queen St." Named for her city's fashion district, "Queen St" is a mindset of grace, ownership, and power carefully bubbling under the surface. Jayd Ink establishes the mood from the opening moments of the track; her characteristic, silky voice, albeit shy, is what velvety dreams are made of. Her voice is like a warm breeze on a slow summer night. There's a cool edge of command to her delivery, as if she couldn't be ruffled no matter what you did.
A singer of variety, each note Corinne sings resides on a cushiony pillow of profound confidence that doesn't demand attention, but makes it anyway. Built on a foundation of chill-hop beats and serene sonic textures, "Queen St" is infused with a serene groove that allows Jayd Ink's craft to breathe. It's spare but lush production frames her voice beautifully without ever threatening to overshadow her. There's something exquisitely calm here, the stillness before a sunrise or the center of the eye of a storm. It's like it's not just music you hear, but music you feel.
There's a regalness to it, not the grand, trumpet-blaring kind, but the sort where grace and restraint can seem more potent than flash and flare. Jayd Ink doesn't have to be strident to be heard. "Queen St" is a feeling, a vibe, a reminder that strength can come in subtlety. In moments, Jayd Ink portrays an image of feminine grace and soulful depth that transcends after the final note trails off. For lovers of music that combines chill with charm, and elegance with emotion, "Queen St" is a quiet storm worth getting caught up in. Walking down Queen Street, Jayd Ink owns it.