Hirsute Stateside singer-songwriter Matthew E White has seemingly set himself an impossible task, namely, create one of those cinematic sun-drenched neighbourhood records attempted by many but mastered by so few. Happily I’m pleased to inform everyone the news is good, ‘Kbay’ proves something of a humdinger.
Released on Domino records, ‘Kbay’ is White’s seemingly difficult third album, our hero bravely seeking to pick up where George Clinton and Sly Stone left off, assuming a patriarchal musical mantle blending funk, soul, blues and jazz with tons of bubblegum pop, each track managing to snag you with its hooks whilst making your arse wiggle like it would if it was tethered to a Mueller exercise belt.
The dreamy opening bars of curtain raiser ‘Genuine Hesitation’ makes way for a propulsive road trip groover underpinned by soft squelchy keyboards. ‘Electric’ oozes joy and positivity, ‘Nested’ plants its flag firmly in roller disco cool whilst ‘Take Your Time (And Find That Orange to Squeeze) is a whacking great slice of Philly soul.
Just when you think you’ve got the measure of the Pennsylvanian, White suddenly takes a left turn leaving you flummoxed and gobsmacked in equal measure. “Fell Like an Ax and Only in America / When The Curtains of the Night are Peeled Back'' join forces to form Kbay’s woozy contemplative and cathartic centrepiece, a mini acid trip around White’s inner soul, serving as the perfect palate cleanser between the two other parts of the record. The finale ‘Hedged in Darkness’ serves as a dreamy surprise epilogue, taking you to one final climax, it’s predecessor ‘Shine a Light’ acting as a false closer.
Words - Mike Price
Matthew E White official