KIRBY - “Apple”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Sudan Archives, Erykah Badu, Brittany Howard

Memphis neo-soul artist KIRBY brings jazz, funk, and R&B roots to her music, adding little twists of psychedelic pop to emerge her sound beyond a throwback soul revue. Performing with a sultry, dream-lounge style, KIRBY shares a fascinating vocal on her debut EP Sis., a bluesy, mysterious instrument focused on texture around her notes rather than just straight melodic R&B runs. Sis. is a great link between classic, timeless material and smoothly resonant, contemporary vibes, the work of an artist stretching the genre while still plucking heartstrings with her naturally rich tone. While KIRBY is new a solo artist, she’s notched songwriting credits with Beyoncé, Demi Lovato, and on Kanye/Rhianna/McCartney collaboration “FourFiveSeconds”, so the mature, cinematic soul roots that play in her music aren’t as surprising as they seem on first listen. Her first is a beautiful and moving collection that’s more stirring with a detailed listen, but can rip with passion just the same. (Kevin McStravick)