Hello everyone, I'm hoping your Christmas was good- I'm going to do a Christmas post in a few days but not quite yet, because duuude, I'm alternative like that.
This blog is turning into a bit of a lifestyle blog but I
kinda like it like that. It means access to a wider audience and it also means
that if I start talking about Justin Bieber you're not allowed to hate on me.
Don't worry, I promise I won't start posting about the Beebs.
Today instead I'm going to review Katy B's new EP, 'Danger'.
Music is a huge part of my life but this is also part of a blogging job
application... Cheeeky.
Truthfully though I got really excited by the news of this
EP because I LOVE HER COLLABORATORS. Diplo is one of my favourite DJs on the
scene right now, and let's not deny that he is a mega DILF, while Jessie Ware
is an incredible up and coming talent and again one of my much-loved breakout
vocalists of 2012. UK grime artist Wiley never fails to impress and the
Australian bad bitch Iggy Azalea is unapologetically brilliant. The producers
and artists whom Katy has chosen are an eclectic mix from around the globe meaning
that I truly don't know what to expect. I have never been a huge fan of Katy B;
in particular it's important to me that an artist is good live whereas I find
that she is often disappointing. However
it'll be interesting to see how she mixes with this lot and to see if she is,
after all, a good music curator.
GOT PAID ft. ZINC & WILEY
Tune number one begins with an undeniably punchy opening that is sure to
get everyone in the mood when it starts booming in a club but I can't help but
dislike Katy's singing. I'm going to put my disappointment down to my lame-ass
computer speakers however so let's imagine this song with huge speakers and a
loud atmosphere. Yes, it starts to sound better. In fact I've just put my
overhead headphones on and I'm now dancing in my bed.
Wiley's entrance makes me dance even more and I start to really bounce
around. The beat is still quite good after Wiley but that might just be Zinc's
continuing bass in the background.
Honestly the song is a little bit mix mashing of noises and not even in
a new and refreshing way.
Katy's singing is a downer and I think I prefer Wiley's part because he
works better with the back beat. Katy sings over Zinc's steady club mix with
her signature style but it's a little too mainstream for me. I can certainly see
this being played on the radio but then again that actually kinda puts me off. Definitely
needs more Wiley. Sorry Katy, not lookin' good so far.
DANGER ft. JACQUES GREENE
This is the title track so there are always expectations. Beginning in
a very typical Katy B introduction- there's something about it that is just so
Katy B- the song works some light, fluttery electro music. The softness is all
very well but I can't help but compare this to Delilah- if you don't know her
music, YOU MUST KNOW HER MUSIC. 'Danger' is soulful, slow and dramatic but it
doesn't cut through me like Delilah does.
Her voice has certainly improved compared to 'Got Paid' but again not
something I'm gonna gush over. Things start to improve around the chorus-
whether this is her voice or the flow of the music. Ultimately I'm not melting,
but I am warming.
AALIYAH ft. GEENEUS
AND JESSIE WARE
Greeneus opens this track with a slow and gradual spacey vibe before
heading into a club beat while Katy's voice melts really nicely into the music.
I really enjoy the beginning and so far so good. The start reminds me somehow
of ministry of sound- club anthem style. I could say that it gets a little
repetitive but then I'm still waiting for Jessie's entry. And ah, here she
comes. Beautiful as always but again I feel like I'm comparing Katy to Jessie
when this is Katy's tune and Jessie's the featuring artist.
Katy's singing is definitely better here and I feel like I'm melting
into their harmony which is unexpected but very well executed. Pitchfork.com
calls it a lyrical love triangle and I agree.
The best bit of this song is how they've tackled Dolly Parton's
'Jolene' (sort of 'Aaliyah please don't take my man') but made it club ready
and 2013. The ephemeral vibe mixes well with both Katy's and Jessie's voices.
If I was being a pain in the ass I'd complain a little about the
repetitiveness of the backing but this third track of the EP is definitely moving
up my approval ladder. I'm now ready and waiting for some sick remixes of this.
LIGHT AS A FEATHER ft. DIPLO & IGGY AZALEA
I cannot contain my excitement for this one, I have very high
expectations of you Diplo. Turns out, expectations filled. I had the headphones
on for this one and had to turn it up because I liked it so much. Without the
headphones it sounds a little cheap.
'Light as a feather' begins with a new and refreshing mood, thank fuck,
excusing my language. The drop is perfect, the bass is ready and I have no
complaints about her voice on this track. At 1:38 Katy offers us a beautiful
little bit of singing; her voices rises as the music softens and she
demonstrates her range.
Is that Diplo on the 'lets go'? Omagerrhhd he's so hot, though I need
to remember that this is a Katy B EP and not a Diplo song.
But then, we get to Iggy. She works so damn well with the beat and
needs a longer solo please? As Iggy finishes with 'it's yours for the taking'
you can't help but admire the way Katy swoops in on the take; 'what does it
take' at 2:27 and Iggy's dynamic and clear-cut rapping subdues into a softer
dub synth.
Then at about 3:00 Diplo introduces this jangly moroccan noise that
offers something new and alternative. Bringing in another drop not soon after,
we're straight back into the nitty gritty of the tune.
This is music that works well both in the comforts of my bedroom if I'm
working or chilling, but that also offers potential for a night out. Again with
this, I'm expecting a load of remixes.
A job well done and a new addition to my playlist.
I'm not sure whether to put my love of 'Light as a Feather'
to my love of Diplo but there is no doubt that Katy's EP has both it's ups and
downs. Each collaboration compares and each attributes something different. Yet
despite their differences, Katy's firm influence is clear. She has catered each
song to her own taste and this is an EP about a Peckham girl who's weekend and
club- ready.
£114 from £185
