Kimbra – Vows

Kimbra. Somebody that we never used to know. And still don’t… Not really.

I’m sure we are all by now acquainted, if not exhausted, with Gotye’s ‘Somebody that I used to know’. After all, the track imploded music charts world-wide, whilst the video went viral across social networking with a matter of YouTube hits…or a million. But what of Wouter De Backer’s partner in this infectious, mostly-forgivable crime of music? The sweet little voice in the emotional, lyrical argument? You know… Kimbra?

With her debut album ‘Vows’ released to the ears of New Zealander’s and Australians under a year ago, it now eagerly awaits its transoceanic journey this month to the US, eventually followed by the chance for those itching English hands to grasp a copy. Fortunately, my little English hands have managed to pluck it from the far-away land of Australia, and all I have to say is I was more than pleasantly surprised by this woman whom up until now I had no more knowledge of than her connection with Gotye.

‘Vows’ is dramatically enriched with an eclectic mix of jazzy vocals, clever (and at times unusual) instrumentation, all accompanied by love: tales of the unobtainable, of hope, of fear, doubt, chance and regret. Yes, it’s a relationship album. Done well. As varied as the emotions of it’s subject, each track offers a different flavour that, whilst maintaining Kimbra’s daringly individual soul-pop style, shows just how versatile this little lady can be; from the 90s R ‘n’ B sound via ‘Old Flame’, to the blues-drenched ‘Plain Gold Ring’ and ‘Withdraw’, to the raw soul-funk of ‘Call Me’, this is life told through a beautifully surreal but painstakingly truthful collaboration.

Just as ‘Vows’ proves itself to be much more than a ‘break-up album’, Kimbra proves herself to be much more than the backing singer to one of the most commercial hits of the year. And she’s not afraid to stand on her own two feet. Nor is she afraid to show the vulnerability of her voice; a cappella intros, vocal percussion, and a risky yet unbelievably approachable mix of genres, this debut album is full of treats for the alternative fan with an open ear.

All in all, pretty darn good for somebody the world never used to know…well, at least not yet.