Kurt Vile
B’lieve I’m Goin Down
Kurt Vile the singer/songwriter from Philadelphia is known
for his blend of folk and psychedelic rock. This mix of genre is at the
forefront of his latest record ‘B’lieve I’m Goin Down’. Opening track ‘Pretty
Pimpin’ is a very summery song you can imagine hearing walking down an American street bathed in sunlight. However, once it finishes, the
energy level – which isn’t too high to start with - drops dramatically in
tandem with Vile’s vocal delivery. Once this energy is lost the album loses
impact and slowly drifts away.
The vocal delivery sounds lazy and low key almost as if no
effort has been put in. It’s very subtle and feels like it’s been pushed
to the side. The issue with not only dropping the energy level lower is
putting Vile at the front of these songs. He doesn't’ come across as the most
riveting guy in the world. In no way does the music leave a lasting impression.
However there are at least a handful of moments where the lyrics are very
telling in a personal way. For instance on the song ‘Lost My Head There’. Musically
it’s very easy going which is all well and good but it needs to be topped with
better vocals.
Lyrically, it’s very empty and meaningless. Even on ‘Kidding
Around’, which is arguably the most poignant moment on the album. His
song-writing process is clear here. He appears to say something meaningful but
actually he’s just kidding around. At no point on the record is there a
stand-out line that makes you react and take note. It’s very casual. And it doesn’t
make any lasting impressions.
5/10
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