Review: "this is ME" EP by KARMAA
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KARMAA shows off her clever storytelling abilities on the soulful style of the “this is ME” EP . The word choice here is exceptional. By going for the macro approach of societal changes that need to happen, alongside the introspection of one’s own actions, there is an extreme honesty to the verses. Once this is pared alongside the crisp clean production, everything works together into a great vast network. Elements of trap, RnB, rock even, all of these get woven together in a way that truly feels distinct and highly thoughtful.
By opting for a hybrid style, neither fully pop nor fully hip-hop, there are strong connections to the loose, carefree attitude of Outkast’s output. Going for a more contemporary take Klein’s deconstructions and revelations are an important element to the collection. KARMAA’s delivery proves to be truly her own for she adds a lot of vulnerability into the entire equation. Various pieces filter into the mix helping to add to the kaleidoscopic array, the bright bursts of color she incorporates into the entirety of the journey.
“Do You See Me?” opens things up on a gauzy note. Samples and melodies waft up into the infinite. KARMAA’s voice takes the lead and from there the rest of the track quickly comes into place. Percussion snaps alongside piano on the lovely sound of “You Don’t Know”. Rather tragic, there is a dramatic sensibility about the way they let the whole thing unfurl. Various bursts of neon-hued splendor adorn “VICES”.
By far the highlight of the EP, the exploration of depression and anxiety feels highly confessional. Done with dignity the piece has a symphonic beauty. Buildup matters a great deal on the tense “work in progress”. Within this piece, the way that the groove evolves seems to perfectly parallel the careful meditative presence that the song explores with vigor. Tremendous celebration brings things to a close on the confident, self-assured strut of “I Got THIS” featuring a whole slew of detail to be brought into the mix.
“this is ME” proves KARMAA to be one of those musical innovators, pushing the sound forward into the future with thought-provoking lyricism.