Two years ago, I found myself in a London record store called Rough Trade West. The walls were decorated with album covers of various bands from around the world. Rough Trade West is respected across the globe as a good source for indie music, so I knew I would find some musical gems.
On one wall, the record store had a “Best of the Month” section. There I found “World You Need A Change Of Mind,” the debut album from an emerging British solo artist. Although his birth name is Adam Bainbridge, he simply goes by Kindness.
After listening to the album, I was instantly hooked to Kindness’ smooth disco pop. With singles like “Cyan” and “Swingin’ Party,” and dance tunes like “House” and “Gee Up,” “World You Need A Change Of Mind” makes for fun music to dance to all under the name of pop. In the eyes of Bainbridge, pop music is not necessarily what is popular right now, but more a style of music, one that makes you feel good and makes you want to dance and sing along. In his debut, he calls us all to think differently about the musical conventions that plague other artists.
Two years later, I found myself in intense anticipation of Bainbridge’s sophomore album, “Otherness.” A few weeks ago, it finally made its way into the WGRE offices.
Although “Otherness” lacks the flashiness of his debut, it still holds merit in its smooth riffs, dance beats and the supporting artists on the record. The record includes Robyn, Kelela, Ghanaian rapper M.Anifest and longtime friend Devonté Hynes.
Bainbridge uses keys, saxophones, drums, bass and guitar to soulfully enter the hearts of his fans. I believe his goal is for his fans to dance. And if you put this record on, I think that’s exactly what you might do: dance the night away.
Fortunately, Kindness is young and vibrant. His funky grooves and keen understanding of pop music in the world give him the power to create beautiful dance tunes.
Tracks to listen to: “World Restart (feat. Kelela & Ade),” “This Is Not About Us,” “Who Do You Love (feat. Robyn),” and “Why Don’t You Love Me (feat. Devonté Hynes & Tawiah).”
Keep tuning in to WGRE to hear Kindness’ “Otherness.”