Review Summary: Kimbra has settled down.
Kimbra is a star on the rise and her debut LP,
Vows proves this disposition. Placing herself into cameos with Miami Horror and the-shall-not-be-named Gotye single, Kimbra’s name was propelled worldwide, giving her the perfect launching pad to unleash her own musical styling’s on the public, and
Vows is an album filled with mixed genre glossy pop, whimsical soul and fulfilling jazz renditions that shows Kimbra’s own writing is something to behold.
A strong juxtaposition in musical style is what makes
Vows so listenable, giving the listener so many straws to clutch at. An example of this is the glorious cover of Nina Simone’s ‘Plain Gold Rings’, focussing on Kimbra’s self harmonization and empathetic vocals, while ‘Call Me’ is a huge jazz/soul tune that becomes bigger and better as it goes on. The cohesion of
Vows is also magnificent, with so much difference in her styling’s, Kimbra is able to tie everything together, and piece the differences together to make a cohesive and spectacular flow from the thickly layered vocals of ‘Withdraw’ to the silky husk 90’s pop of ‘Old Flame’. Song writing brilliance is evident in her melodies, as they linger and tease you as the listener as the hooks are used sparingly, giving the listener a glow when they come around.
Lyrically, Kimbra entices and is straight forth in her narrative;
This is nonstop baby,
You've got me going crazy,
You're heavier than I knew
But I don't want no other,
You're my cameo love,
Only here for a moment or two”
Lead singles, ‘Settle Down’ is a valiant trip through dream pop vocals and glorious soulful instrumental, while ‘Cameo Lover’ is pure pop joy with cheery hooks and high sing-a-long value. This is a credit to the production of the album, with an eminenent showing of produces in M-Phases and Francoise Tetaz, the indie/rock and R’n’B knowledge is support with fantastic understand of jazz and orchestral musicality, giving
Vows it’s full punch.
At a young age of 21, Kimbra has been able to establish herself with a glorious album in
Vows. No doubt, being able to produce quality pop music without falling for the club themed anthems that seem to be the headline of most top 40 countdowns, Kimbra has proven that musicality and quality production can outshine any of the sausage factory products that see’s much airplay these days.
Vows is encompassing and willing and shows that Gotye was somebody that Kimbra used to know.
