Bingkai Karya – Renowned musician and visual artist Kim Gordon is set to release her second solo album, “The Collective,” on March 8th via Matador. Following her 2019 debut, “No Home Record,” this album promises a unique sonic journey, characterized by a haunting lead track, “BYE BYE,” and a captivating visual representation in its accompanying video. Let’s delve into the details of “The Collective” and explore the creative forces behind this highly anticipated release.
“BYE BYE,” the lead track from “The Collective,” introduces listeners to a sonic landscape guided by a snaking bassline. The song is accompanied by a video featuring Coco Gordon Moore and directed by Clara Balzary, with cinematography by Christopher Blauvelt. The visual element adds a layer of depth to the immersive experience, enhancing the overall impact of the music.
The album’s concept is introduced with reflections on Gordon’s previous work, “No Home Record.” There is a palpable sense of space, both physical and metaphysical, as the album explores boulevards, bedrooms, and the interaction of instruments. The narrator recalls a shared place where the guitar, voice, and rhythms converged to create a unique musical experience.
“The Collective” is described as a departure from the familiar, a splintered and glittering rendition of the space explored in “No Home Record.” The album delves into dark and haunting territories, raising questions about love, memory, and the treatment of the creative space. The presence of synthesized voices adds an ethereal and bodiless quality to the music, creating an atmospheric soundscape that is both agitated and layered.
One standout track, “Shelf Warmer,” is described as a reflection on non-reciprocal gift-giving and the pain of love in a commercialized world. The beats are characterized by edgy chattering, with the pain of love assembled in hollow booms and scratching claps. The lyrics convey a sense of disruption and novelty, questioning the conventional dynamics of relationships.
The album delves into the conceptual realm, with tracks like “I Don’t Miss My Mind” suggesting an introspective examination of the thought process. The opening track, “BYE BYE,” presents a list underlining a sense of departure, featuring items like milk thistle and a dog sitter. The list becomes an intriguing element, raising questions about its origins and relevance.
Recorded in Gordon’s native Los Angeles, “The Collective” builds on the collaboration between Kim Gordon and producer Justin Raisen. Raisen’s expertise in damaged, blown-out dub, and trap constructions complements Gordon’s intuitive word collages and hooky mantras. The result is a captivating blend of experimental sounds, exploring communication, commercial sublimation, and sensory overload.
“The Collective” appears to be a bold and exploratory continuation of Kim Gordon’s solo endeavors. With its evocative soundscapes, conceptual depth, and collaborative production, the album promises a compelling auditory and visual experience. As Gordon embarks on a series of live shows around the album’s release, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking and immersive journey through the sonic landscapes of “The Collective.”
