Interesting! I can see the playing it safe for sure. It’s like a comfort food album for me. Nothing particularly challenging but an easy listen that always brings some positive vibes. Reliable might be a word I'd use. It's great to hear they're fantastic live. When this all dies down and we progress toward more normal times I'll definitely keep an eye out for tickets and shows near me. Would have been keen before but knowing they're that good makes me want to lock it in.
yeah. it's a good album but I'm not sure if I find it a bit humdrum or if all the hype around this album (especially 'round this neck of the woods) just makes it impossible to live up to for me.
yeah, Moses is in a whole different lane. I don't dislike Black Pumas, but Moses Sumney they are not. they're not Kiwanuka either, while I wouldn't necessarily compare Sumney to Kiwanuka their music is far more interesting than what the Pumas offer in my opinion. that said Moses and Michael have put out more music that has shown growth and evolution while the Pumas have a single album, time will tell if they too can grow into something bigger and better.
All the more reason for me to try and see them! Appreciate the variant criticism too as it's something that irritates me also. Hasn't taken me long to feel like there's little point going for more than that which seems distinct or offers something new. Staggered drops that aren't signalled beforehand feel particularly egregious.
yeah man. there are just some bands that are incredible in a live setting but can seem rather lifeless on record. just as there are bands that are great on record but can't put on a live show. it makes those artists/bands that put out great albums and amazing live shows extra special.
Kiwanuka has no business being as far under the radar as he is over here. All of his albums are really solid and he just seems to get better.
I really don’t get it. It seems hardly anybody here knows him and as you said, he’s fantastic. The only kind of mainstream attention he has gotten over here was when one of his tracks was the Big Little Lies theme song and some of his other songs were on that soundtrack.
Check out Neal Francis, his album Changes is that same sort retrosoul feel.
I wouldn't call the album lifeless, I think they recorded it before they had really worked it all out... I mean this, right here is something:
Is it really live though? Also, it’s basically a different song now.
I would say it's a live performance and I'm not sure what else it could be called.
Here's a photo of us with Eric too.
good to hear. I stated earlier that they only have one album and we're comparing them to other artists with a few records (and tours) under their belts which can certainly allow for growth and expansion. I'm not necessarily knocking Black Pumas for being who they are, I just sometimes find myself wondering what my disconnect is from something that others are truly enamored with. but like with so many artists I just chalk it up to that it's just my opinion.