Kimbra
Vows (Warner Bros.)
Reviewed by Melanie Haupt, Fri., Oct. 12, 2012
Kimbra
Vows (Warner Bros.)More than just the voice of the woman Gotye used to know, New Zealand chanteuse Kimbra has such powerful pipes it's hard to believe that someone with a voice so worldly and womanly is just 22. Vows, released Down Under more than a year ago but only just landed stateside this spring, reveals a young artist in search of an identity. "Old Flame" would fit well on the soundtrack to L.A. film noir Drive, all pastel neons and soft-focus lyrics. "Posse" suggests a less pretentious Lady Gaga, and it's a pity there aren't more sassy tracks like it. When Kimbra acts her age, she's interesting and fun. When she doesn't, you can't help but wonder how much of that vocal showboating is a singer's equivalent to playing dress-up in a glamorous older aunt's closet, all posing and no play. (12:15pm, Bud Light stage)
