Monday 29 July 2019

KAZU - "Salty" and "Meo"

Kazu Makino has been the singer of New York indie band since 1993. Now she is trying her hand at a solo album. But "solo" is something of a misnomer. Her first single "Salty" salty saw her collaborating with talents like percussionist Mauro Refosco and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Experimental, layered vocals intermingle with rapidly-cycling loops. Soft, upbeat electronic percussion trips and flutters underneath the surface.

In the recently released second single "Meo", she brings Blonde Redhead bandmate Amadeo Pace on board. Atop New Agey synths and pointillist embellishments on keys, Kazu's cries asymmetrically, almost conversationally, lyrics that seem designed to unsettle: "Don't say it's different/Don't say it's fine/Don't say she needs you". Enter a surprise cinematic string section, courtesy of the Budapest Art Orchestra. You will have to make up your own mind about these tracks, but they are nothing if not original and experimental, and I for one am compelled - it will be fascinating to watch Kazu tread further into this undiscovered territory.

The album is Adult Baby and it will be released on September 13. It will be accompanied by a narrative film, shot on the Italian island of Elba (the few shots we have from the film look gorgeous).


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