Those who make it into the annual BBC-ranking »Sound Of«, have basically ensured their share of attention for the following 365 days. Since 2012 is a leap year, Michael Kiwanuka has blagged one more day in order to contribute his part of this self fulfilling prophecy. It doesn’t even take 40 minutes to become convinced by this British songwriter. It’s ten songs precisely, perfectly arranged on his debut »Home Again«, which easily blow the very last doubts away. The fact that some of the songs have already been known though various EPs, only allows us to gain even quicker access to this unbelievable album. Carried by a tremendous atmosphere, Kiwanuka combines Soul and Songwriter on »Home Again«, reconciles past and present, pain and hope. In »I’m Getting Ready«, the rhythm still somewhat secretly sneaks behind the delicate melody and Kiwanuka’s extraordinary voice, until an actual choir softly blows from a vintagy corner. It’s one of Kiwanuka’s favorite techniques to plant gentle arrangements in which winds, flutes and strings support his fragile guitar in gentle subtlety. In this manner and with lots of precise work, he has created the harmonies on »Home Again«. On top of it, Kiwanuka sings timeless lines like in »Worry Walks Beside Me« or »Tell Me A Tale«. All these elements give »Home Again« enough individuality to charge the whole thing with a bucket load of Soul. A sound to drown in, a voice to lean on – always keeping in mind that this is only Kiwanuka’s debut. It’s a record, which will still be relevant in 365 days and far above and beyond.
Home Again
