Monday, August 25, 2014

Review: FKA Twigs- LP1




So, after another long and drawn out absence, here I am to offer my belated opinion on the debut LP by FKA twigs, or formerly known as twigs, or whatever she's calling herself at the moment.

Twigs, or Tahliah Barnett, is a British singer and former background dancer that has recently been making waves with her one two punch of EPs. I hadn't actually heard any of these EP tracks before I delved into the LP, so I was quite surprised with what I got from the album. To classify this into a genre would be a little difficult, but if pressed, I would have to call it some sort of trip-hop/R&B hybrid. No where else do come ons sound so unsettling.

I feel a lot of the unsettling atmosphere is due to the brittle but intricate production that can be found all throughout the album. Then twigs sings. Her voice is very vulnerable and beautiful, and her range on the album is insane. She seems most comfortable in the stratosphere, but her low notes are equally remarkable. Her singing on this very strange production may not initially sound like it blends, but its actually a very organic blending of sounds, and adds some depth. The lyrics here may sound a little one dimensional, but the music in the background provides double meanings that may not have been there originally.

My only complaint may fall with the lyrics. Though some introspection leaks through in tracks like 'Video Girl', a lot of the lyrics can be a little too much in the bedroom R&B vein, which is fine, but I feel like Barnett is capable of much greater lyrical substance.

In my opinion, she's definitely and artist to watch, and her first full length in a hypnotizing and original musical experience. Definitely not something to miss.

Out of a total of five stars, I give this:



Later, I'll give my opinions on J. Mascis' new album, Tied to a Star.



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