Album Review: Kimbra - Primal Heart

Kiwi singer-songwriter Kimbra is now two albums deep from 'Single That We Used To Know'.

Although that Gotye collaboration got her recognition as a featured voice, Kimbra's work in her own right under her own terms should never be overshadowed. New LP Primal Heart is strong and bold, led by driving percussion and distinctive vocals. Opener The Good War wakes the listener up with swagger, while next drop Top Of The World is already a contender for 'Most Commanding Performance Of The Year': part rap, part chant, part anthem - all parts excellent. From here there are departures into more conventional contemporary pop with hints of synthy goodness, props especially go to the catchy Like They Do On The TV, Recovery and Lightyears. The latter is particularly impressive; pulling the lyric's metaphor out just far enough. Slower-paced Past Love and Right Direction draw on older styles, with Right Direction sounding like it could have easily spent time in Wham!'s bottom draw (in the very best possible way).

While the album's lead single Everybody Knows is certainly also a winner, don't forget to dig to the end for gems like Version Of Me - a quiet-but-masterful little wonder.