Kiwanuka

I became aware of Michael Kiwanuka’s music after the release of his debut album in 2012. I paid more attention to it after its follow-up Love & Hate (2016) came out, but it wasn’t until his third, self-titled, album appeared in 2019 that I reached for my wallet, buying both Kiwanuka and its predecessor in quick succession, greatly enjoying them both. What about this new one?, I wondered, when I learned that album #4 Small Changes was due for release last month. I didn’t have to wonder long: I saw a clip on YouTube of Kiwanuka & band performing its penultimate number ‘The Rest of Me’, and, loving what I heard, had placed a pre-order before it was finished.

Small Changes is more low-key, inward-looking and nocturnal in mood than Kiwanuka or Love & Hate. For my current needs it’s just about the ideal medicine.