Michael Kiwanuka is a British singer-songwriter and record producer. Born to Ugandan parents who fled their country for Muswell Hill in London, Kiwakuna has had to fight to retain his very identity since early in his career, with record execs requesting that he change his name to one easier to market. This led to a crisis in self-confidence, which surely contributes to the resigned, world-weary tone of the record. But it’s not all doom and gloom - the record is a breathtaking retro-futuristic hybrid of funk, soul, and rock music that wears its self-titling as a badge of honor. Produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo, this 13 track collection demonstrates his immense skill and diverse interests. “You Ain’t The Problem” brings to mind Curtis Mayfield, “Rolling” is a blend of soul and endlessly reverberating guitar freakouts. Lyrically, Kiwanuka is at his most vulnerable and provocative, poetic in both words and instrumentation. This record is packaged in a gatefold sleeve with printed inner sleeves.

• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• music label: Polydor 2019

reviewed by ALL MY FEARS ARE GONE 12/2019