The recent news of appalling struggle with ill health hangs heavy over ‘FUDGE’, an album broadly completed before the songwriter . But this is material that speaks of his life before these events, and should be seen on its own terms – a record of soulful inspiration, one that delights at creativity, and revels in communion.
Indeed, the primary shift here is in process. Opting to self-produce – the prize money from his Mercury victory helped underwrite a studio within walking distance of his home – he takes care of every sonic detail here, and as a result ‘FUDGE’ impeccably cohesive, and wonderfully unified.
For long-term fans, ‘FUDGE’ is an absolute treasure trove. ‘Summer Clothes’ eases you into his realm, the wise (sampled) words of Chick Corea giving way to evocative strings, and a typically masterful vocal from Kiwanuka.
‘California’ has a trip hop beat, the slight distortion on the vocal recalling the techniques Damon Albarn uses to power Gorillaz. ‘Just Another Moment’ moves from beatific yacht rock – the tick-tock of the drum machine is pure Miami 1982 – into a broader, cinematic orchestral rendering, an ambitious piece held together by melodic assurance.
‘Drowning In Your Heart’ strips it all back, a heartfelt love song that revels in its quiet assurance. Followed by ‘Love In My Heart’ – a slomo romance burner – it’s a mid-section that finds Michael Kiwanuka in both domestic and creative bliss.
‘Across The Sky’ is little more than acoustic guitar strums and vocal whispers – perhaps a nod to his roots, with memories of those open mic sessions at Camden’s Spiritual bar lingering in the background.
Indeed, ‘FUDGE’ is the sound of a special artist being completely true to himself. ‘Stars’ utilises the fuzzed out guitar lines which light up his live shows; ‘You Sent Me Flying’ has a feather-soft sense of beauty, and ‘Move In My Direction’ – with its spoken count-in intro – achieves a raw, remarkable intimacy.
A record thanks with his best, ‘FUDGE’ closes with moments of almost unbelievable poignancy. On ‘Sing’ his voices cracks as he intones words that, given the new context of his life, cut deep: “I need miracles / to wash away the pain because / Life is hard to live…”
Closing with the reflections of ‘Swings And Roundabouts’, I’m left with two abiding impressions. The first is how consistent Michael Kiwanuka has been across his catalogue, gifting us such modern soul joys. The second is how cruel life can be, and that his ill health may well fundamentally alter the way he makes music. That we’ve been afforded such brilliance as this at all, is always worth celebrating.
8/10