The simple power of DRAMA's musical expression is matched only by their work ethic. Since 2014, the Chicago-based duo have bootstrapped a subtle rise on their own terms, self-releasing several EPs and mapping multiple tours with Midwestern grit.

A multicultural collaboration between producer Na'el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa, the project plays to the complementary dynamics of their pairing, blurring the lines between R&B and dance-pop, heartbreak and bliss.

Following their signing to Ghostly International in 2019, they realize their years-in-the-making full-length debut, aptly titled Dance Without Me, a refined collection that recasts romantic tragedy as moonlit self-acceptance.

As a lyricist, Rosa takes her blues and makes them vibrant - rather than wallow alone, she sashays.

"This album is dedicated to the people watching their friend's love-lives grow and happen around them, and not having anyone." Her soulful delivery, inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz and playful patterns of hip-hop and Bossa nova, interlocks with Shehade's chic Chicago house-infused production style.

There is lush lovelorn affliction blended into the tracks on Dance Without Me. DRAMA's first record appears remarkably refined for a young band; Rosa's lyrical candor creates expressionistic narratives about interpersonal intricacies all finessed for the club by Shehade.

Here we see a lyricist whose vocal stylings are, not just complimented, but completed by a producer, and a producer whose genteel tracks are given a soul, however blue, depicted in a collaborator's deeply human lyrics.