Sunday 13 November 2016

Review: KT Tunstall - Kin


Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall is back with her fifth studio album which sees her take a much poppier turn than her previous material. 'Kin' opens with her latest single, the catchy and positively-messaged 'Hard Girls' which is both great musically and lyrically and a really strong way to start the album. It's followed by the gentler 'Turned A Light On' which, again, is worth hearing for the lyrics alone even if it's less memorable than the opener.

Coming in third is the lead-single from the album, 'Maybe It's A Good Thing'. Sounding like classic KT Kunstall the mix of electronic bleep-bloops, progressive drum, vocal call-outs post-chorus and a singable chorus make this a good first single choice and it's very easy for this song to get stuck in your head.

The hits keep coming with the more indie stylings of 'Evil Eye' that matches a perky guitar riff and a fast-paced, singable chorus. Possibly my favourite song on the album there's something about the biting lyrics and delivery that works really well.

'It Took Me So Long to Get Here, But Here I Am', contender for the longest song title in a while, is a solid indie track that rumbles along nicely and works because of its focus on the hairbrush-karaoke chorus and the heartfelt lyrics.

'On My Star' is a slower piece giving the gentle and touching lyrics space to breathe. With its breezy backing and sad tone, it's pleasingly emotive.

James Bay makes a guest appearance on 'Two Way' adding some nice harmonies to the piece and has a P!nk vibe to it but isn't the most vibrant track on the album. 'Run on Home' is better, the simple chorus hooks into you and there's plenty of attitude and drum kicks to please you alongside the singable chorus.

The title track comes next and it's a gentle lilt of a number with, again, some strong, heartfelt, lyrics. 'Everything Has Its Shape' is another hooky pop-song and closer 'Love Is an Ocean' again hooks you in with some fun lyrics and overall style.

'Kin' by KT Tunstall is a great pop-album with some strong lyrics, catchy rhythms and some standout tracks. (7/10)

No comments:

Post a Comment