The opening track to Bravado, Kirin J Callinan’s widely anticipated follow up to the 2013 release of Embracism, establishes Callinan’s intentions on the record with unbridled clarity. He’s here to release a pop record, and a monumental one at that. Listeners who found solace in the alarming abrasiveness, twisted narrative and dark electronica that Embracism offered might be in for a shock this time around. While Bravado contains sporadic flourishes and the signature Callinan panache of its predecessor, Bravado is an entirely new beast in itself – an epic, grandiose affair, teeming with infectious ‘80s new wave synth pop, glimmering ‘90s EDM and an extensive roll call of guests.
My Moment ft Sean Nicholas is an opulent EDM banger, imbued with an intoxicating techno beat typically reserved for seedy ‘90s dancehalls. Down 2 Hang ft James Chance epitomises the Callinan archetype we’ve grown familiar with; commencing with a spoken-word narrative of a woman he’s met online and rapidly progressing into a perverse, snarling portrayal of hanging articles and entities, resulting in a track that’s equally as captivating as it is polarising.
There are gentle moments on the record, too. Living Each Day ft Connan Mockasin is a breezy, upbeat pop treasure, Family Home ft the Finn Family and Telling Me This ft Jorge Elbrecht showcase Callinan’s tender side, while Friend Of Lindy Morrison ft Weyes Blood is a gorgeously arresting number, with dual vocals complementing exquisite strings.
The apparent influences are striking too, with everything from Spandau Ballet to Max Q and even DJ Sammy emerging from the tracks. But is it derivative? Not at all, and that’s the point. Callinan’s virtuosity lies in his ability to weave familiar compositions, melodies and genres to create a sound that’s undeniably his own, with each track completely distinct from the last, yet merging together seamlessly.
