By Clair Kim
FKA twigs’ debut album, LP1, sounds like how a glass mosaic vases look: broken, altered, colorful and intentional. Every song on this album has been created by layering on different effects, bass-heavy beats and singing styles. This slow building album throws you into a rewarding and cathartic realm with every listen.
English singer-songwriter FKA twigs creates music in a new genre known as “trip hop” or “dream pop.” After gathering a fan base with her viral music video for the song, “Water Me,” her first full length album has been received with overwhelmingly positive reviews— and for good reason.
LP1, which is available on Spotify, begins with a 1-minute-and-47 second preface. This first song is a clash of computerized noises combined with choir-like vocals to create an introduction that molds what is left to be heard. However, if this song is not to your liking, do not give up. Continue your journey through all the songs; let your mind and body become lost in the sounds and vocals to which your ears are not accustomed. The songs on this album float the listener into a fantasy dreamscape—whispering, climbing and confusing, but overall fulfilling.
FKA twigs is able to use dark, slow and eerie vibes to create a collection of songs that no one else can create. She hits every mark. Some songs are catchy, others broodingly emotional and still others light, pop-fueled and fun. Every time the album plays, the ear picks up new things. The artistic layering of sounds, in which not one sound is more powerful than the next, allows the listener to focus in and out of each effect. Listening to this album on repeat is truly the only way to completely indulge and appreciate the complexity of the music.
Terrible first week of school? Swaddle yourself in the covers and blast this through your ear buds. Need inspiration while sprucing up your bare dorm room walls? Grab your laptop and play this album. Walking through campus alone? Plug into these songs and let your inner contemporary dancer out.
LP1 is your dose of calm, your dose of inspiration, your dose of cool.
