SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MICHAEL KIWANUKA – FUDGE

MICHAEL KIWANUKA
FUDGE
POLYDOR/UNIVERSAL MUSIC

In general, it is difficult for any artist to stay consistent for a prolonged period of time, but soul-prodigy Michael Kiwanuka continues to be somewhat of an anomaly when it comes to this. Since the release of his debut, Home Again, Kiwanuka has churned out one great project after another, with in his new LP, FUDGE, being among his best released works yet.

The first thing that makes FUDGE stand out is its instrumental texture and lushness. The bass work is fantastic, the prolonged guitar parts on songs like “Stars” really complement Kiwanuka’s vocals, which are opulent per usual. The instrumentation, while usually repetitive, is always quite pleasant, and the progression that most tracks bring to the table is very strong throughout the project. Each track’s climax feels earned, highlighting the always-compelling song structuring by Kiwanuka.

As far as his individual performances go on FUDGE, Kiwanuka is nearly flawless. The intimate nature of his singing as well as his more introspective lyrical approach makes this album one of his career highlights from a vocal standpoint. As great a singer as he is on this project, there are some moments on it that do seem unnecessary. Some of the vocal effects just feel pointless, as the spacious instrumentals and air-tight production simply do not jive with the computer-like effects layered over top of Kiwanuka’s unspoilable singing voice.

The pacing of FUDGE is another flaw that hinders the album experience. While it begins with some of the better tracks in Kiwanuka’s career, like “Summer Clothes” and “Just Another Moment,” the middle of the record feels somewhat stale. “Across the Sky” and “You Sent Me Flying” are both decent songs but do feel out of place due to their stripped back, meager nature.

Overall, FUDGE is a mostly brilliant effort from Michael Kiwanuka that serves as a showcase for his improvements in songwriting, as well as his ear for great melodies.

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