“Blue Raspberry” Katy Kirby
Katy Kirby is Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter who originally hails from Nashville via Texas. Her indie folk-rock style is relaxed and intimate, almost seemingly detached at times. But the lush melodies with intricate chord progressions and baroque influences captivate. And her disarmingly insightful lyrics peel back the layers on the complexities of relationships. Kirby grew up and was homeschooled in an evangelical Christian home. For this openly queer artist, these stories revolving around an imaginary female lover represent a journey of personal discovery. Strong critical reviews. RIYL: Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief), Squirrel Flower, Sun June or Rosie Tucker.
— Francis

Highly recommended: 3, 7, 10, 9, 6, 4. FCC on Track 12.

1. (3:22) Redemption Arc — Opens with confident vocals over deliberate piano chords. Evolves into a flowing piano ballad with strings. Strummed guitar, prominent bass, easygoing snare drum.
2. (1:41) Fences — Simple sway with minimal instrumentation. Hopeful vocals. Chimey and strummed guitars and backbeat drum.
3. (4:04) Cubic Zirconia — Uplifting, prancing melody. The single. Added synths give the tune a modest anthemic feeling. Witty lyrics with warm harmonies and backing vocals. ****
4. (3:47) Hand To Hand — Slow walk. Slightly bluesy. Plucked muted guitar. Shimmering effects. Oozy backing vocals provide counterpoint to lead vocals. ***
5. (4:29) Wait Listen (Radio Edit) — Even slower. Languid vocals. Intriguing bass and drum combo. Splashes of cymbal.
6. (3:19 Drop Dead — Playful tune with a complex bass line and frequent changes in direction. Organ, guitar and keys — plus orchestral backing. ***
7. (2:41) Party Of The Century — Sweet, catchy chamber pop with doubled vocals, accompanied by cello and mellotron. Builds somewhat, with a lovely violin solo play-out. ****
8. (4:48) Alexandria — Slow and plodding. Fuzzy orchestral backing. Becomes discordant and distorted.
9. (3:22) Salt Crystal — Another lilting piano ballad. Swelling strings as well, supporting Kirby’s crystalline vocals. ***
10. (4:41) Blue Raspberry — Halting ballad, almost Americana in its feeling. Strummed guitar. Sustained orchestral or synth chords. Yearning, harmonized vocals. ****
11. (2:01) Table — Starts with a bit of talking. Quickly becomes a fuzzy, distorted guitar rocker.
12. (4:33) Wait Listen (Unedited) FCC: fuck — Unedited version of track 5.