The Line Is A Curve - Kae Tempest (2022)

There is no one quite like Kae Tempest. They do something between spoken word performance and rap, but the main show is the stories they weave with their words.

Tempest’s lyrics are everything. They build entire worlds for the listener to inhabit, and it feels like you’ve always lived there. There’s so much empathy and keen observation. You know these people, and you recognize yourself, and that makes you mad but it also draws you in.

The music underneath is great, even if it’s not the main attraction. Their previous albums have been much choppier and angrier, with more rock instrumentation. This one takes a little more reflective and life-affirming turn lyrically, while being smoother and more processed musically. It all adds up to terrifying but exhilarating experience.

Tracks I Liked

No Prizes - the cost and benefit of growing up

Salt Coast - a… love song?

These Are The Days - a statement of purpose