Kimbra

Following the success of the over-played Gotye track on which Kimbra featured, New Zealand born vocalist Kimbra Lee Johnson's own musical endeavours are not quite as cohesive and consistent - as Vows, a confusing and hit and miss album of multiple musical personalities, proves...

'Settle Down' opens with multi-tracked rhythmic vocals accompanying Kimbra's luscious soulful vocal melody, later with gentle suggestions of tabla and bass. The track builds with clapping before the rhythmic percussive accompaniment kicks in, then eventually piano and bass. The blend sounds something akin to the eclectic sound of Guillemots, and the vocal style bares many similarities to Bjork. The drum opening of 'Something In The Way You Are' places emphasis on rhythmic accompaniment rather than chordal, which really highlights its melody and Kimbra's smooth, sexy, whispered vocal tone. With its synth chords and electronic beat, 'Cameo Lover' initially offers a different kind of sound, nodding to the likes of Frankmusik, though soon returns to the familiar, soulful pop vibe previously suggested, complete with pounding snare and shaking tambourine. So far, nothing stands out.

Through to the Sade-esque 'Two Way Street', there's already a feeling of meandering songwriting that's not really memorable. 'Old Flame' contrasts low sultry vocal over moody low-pitched synths during the verses with a higher pitched chorus backed by held synth strings chords; during the second verse, however, the snare is irritatingly strong and dominant, and though the track starts off promising with a moody and atmospheric vibe, the chorus is whiney and, once again, meandering.

Continue reading: Kimbra - Vows Album Review