Something Like A War is the third full-length from English-born singer-songwriter Adam Bainbridge, better known as Kindness. Bainbridge’s reflexive sound is fiercely political but easy on the ears, stretching out into extended funky passages without a single jarring transition. To achieve this sound they’ve collaborated with an stellar cast of artists from around the globe, including Seinabo Sey, Nadia Nair and Robyn (!) from Sweden, London’s Cosima and Sampha, South African artist Samhing Soweto, Jazmine Sullivan and Bahamadia from Philly and more. This well-traveled sound is baked into the DNA of Something Like A War, and that “it takes a village” spirit recalls some of Prince’s more ambitious projects like Sign O The Times or Around The World In A Day as well as modern long players by Solange and Blood Orange, with whom Bainbridge has worked extensively. Check out “Softness As A Weapon,” “Who You Give Your Heart To,” “The Warning” and “Cry Everything.” Indie exclusive opaque pink colored 2LP edition, cut nice and loud at 45RPM, released on Bainbridge’s own Female Energy imprint. Housed in full color gatefold jacket with printed inner sleeves containing full album credits and lyrics, digital download included.

• opaque pink colored double vinyl pressing
• indie exclusive
• plays at 45 rpm
• housed in full color gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• includes full album lyrics + credits
• digital download included - NOTE: the URL on the download card is incorrect, go to atozmedia.com/soundcard for digital download
• limited edition
• music label: Female Energy 2019

reviewed by big kahuna burger 09/2019