Capitalising on the chillwave genre which is oh-so-trendy these days, Adam Bainbridge (aka Kindness) creates a comprehensive and colourful album. While this release might have seemed more innovative a couple of years ago when the likes of Toro Y Moi and Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti were at their peak, there is enough brilliance on World, You Need A Change Of Mind to make it feel relevant.
Bainbridge skilfully harks back to the ’70s and ’80s throughout this debut album, covering a range of genres while still maintaining a consistently nostalgic sound. That’s Alright is clearly funk inspired while the infectious Gee Up calls on disco and delivers exactly what the title promises. Bainbridge really shines on the softer tracks however; Cyan is mellow electro perfection while House is heartfelt and measured.
Bainbridge showcases his quirky approach with some unexpected covers- reinventing the Replacements’ Swingin Party into a hypnotic and memorising experience. His take on Anyone Can Fall In Love is almost unrecognisable from its previous incarnation as the Eastenders’ theme.
While not doing anything particularly original, the exuberance and flair shown on World, You Need A Change Of Mind makes up for it.
BY NICOLE RYAN
Best Track: Swingin Party
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITI, ARTHUR RUSSELL
In A Word: Nostalgic
