Review: Kimbra - The Golden Echo
[Warner Brothers; 2014]
Rating: 8/10
By Megan Fair, Copy Chief
Key Tracks: “90s Music,” “Miracle,” “Goldmine”
Anyone who has ever listened to a radio, been to a shopping mall or existed in any social/public setting became glaringly aware of Kimbra when Gotye featured her on his insanely popular track “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Whether or not listeners ever looked further than knowing a voice to name, Kimbra hasn’t let “Somebody That I Used To Know” define her or her sound. In fact, her music doesn’t sound anything like that. Her music is alive.
Kimbra’s sophomore effort is the furthest thing from a slump. Displaying a voice well-rounded and all her own, The Golden Echo reveals that Kimbra can belt it just like Regina Spektor, rock the sound and attitude of iamamiwhoami, the visual and audible moxie of Björk and more. Basically, Kimbra is everything that pop music should be--fun, danceable, painfully catchy and fresh. She manages to create 12 tracks that are certainly radio ready, yet each one is just different enough from the status quo of standard pop that it challenges listeners to really consider what they’re hearing.
An amazing example of this appeared with the album’s first single “90s Music.” The cruising track features unique pacing, clever lyrics and endless spunk. In the midst of a sea of bizarre fun, Kimbra reminisces of a love long past and its fizzle, the only spark of love remaining from their shared adoration of “MJ & Mariah / Nirvana & Aaliyah / R. Kelly & Mary Blige / TLC & Left Eye.”
The verses are an opportunity for listeners to excitedly head-bang along while shaking their butt. Despite its synth-heavy attitude, the track varies enough in synth tones that it stays interesting. And that hook. That hook! Good luck trying not to hum it as going about the day. It’s incredibly infectious.
“Goldmine” fits the groove of The Golden Echo beautifully, offering a head-bobbing and big slow jam to recover from the funhouse that is “90s Music.” Kimbra’s raspy, sultry voice feels authentically R&B and is suited nicely to any late night cruise around town.
Jamiroquai + Michael Jackson + smoky female vocals = “Miracle.” The roller skating hop-style jam just screams fun; its pleasant sound and lyrics feel as if it could be right on par with Pharrell’s “Happy.” With each hum, rasp and belt, Kimbra solidifies her diverse timbre and sound, creating an unforgettable melody.
While individual tracks are obviously stand outs, what makes the album as a whole feel accomplished and complete is Kimbra’s attention to detail, connecting most songs with at least ambient noise or some sort of quiet talking. The Golden Echo feels like a pleasant joyride. But there’s a hitch: the pacing.
The last few songs are slower and seem to bring the record to a crawling conclusion. This isn’t to say those tracks are unimpressive; they just lack the fun energy found in the first half. It’s almost as if this B-side is more geared toward people enjoying slow, romantic making out instead of dancing until they sweat their body dry. “Nobody But You” picks this pace up slightly, but it still feels flatter in comparison to tracks such as “Miracle,” even with its funky outro.
The length also keeps the record from being a seamlessly successful home run. With a run time of about an hour, the longer tracks (many being over five minutes, which is quite lengthy in the pop world) can feel a little tedious, especially as the record slows. However, those looking for fun will most certainly find it in many places on The Golden Echo.
