Roxanne is a Canadian singer-songwriter with a background in classical music and opera, a reggae band called Nile Groove, and a solo catalogue that embraces pop, dance and electronica. Her latest single, “Inferno City”, puts that musical range to work through a combination of bright rhythmic energy, a measured pace and expressive R&B vocals. The voice is the draw here, especially once the chorus starts filling up with backing parts.

I like a R&B pop song that takes its time with the build. “Inferno City” has a strong rhythmic pulse, yet its slower movement gives the tension room to develop. Roxanne leans into that space with a delivery that adds weight to the atmosphere. There’s an appealing friction between the brightness of the production and the darker mood of her singing. You can follow the beat easily while getting pulled further into the vocal performance.

I love how the chorus layers of backing vocals gather around the lead, making the whole arrangement sound fuller and more intense. Those voices are my favourite part of the single. Those voices are my favourite part of the single. Their overlapping presence gives the hook a choral quality, and the growing density suits a song so invested in atmosphere. Each additional layer adds to the pressure, with Roxanne’s lead holding its place at the centre.

Roxanne’s experience as a singer comes through most clearly in how comfortably she handles that crowded vocal arrangement. The lead and backing parts work together, giving the chorus its size and keeping the performance engaging. “Inferno City” earns a replay for that chorus alone. Turn it up!