Kae strides confidently into bold new territory on his fifth album.

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Whilst not exactly shy and retiring on the previous four albums, there is a bold confidence pouring out of every track on this new offering. It is clear that Kae Tempest feels more secure in himself since transitioning to a trans man over the last year. A way with words has never been an issue. This multi-hyphenate artist has proven themselves in music, poetry, theatre and in long-form prose. The deeper vocals suit their style, and the beats and music are the best to date. Kae cites producer Fraser T Smith as pushing him out of his comfort zone and asking what could only you uniquely do? The result is powerful stuff.

Opener ‘I Stand On The Line’ starts in dramatic fashion. It goes straight into a discussion of Trans rights and issues. “I know it hurts you when they look at you strange, misgender you intentionally, use your dead name. When they point blank refuse you, call you confusing, assault you in the street until you’re hardly moving.” Kae addresses his own transition:

“Thirty seven, going through a second puberty
Out in the limelight like please, nobody look at me
I’m looking for myself, all I’m seeing is the bitterness
Coming my way when I’m using the facilities
And how many strangers will I upset today with my existence?”

Yet despite the challenges the album makes it clear that this was the right decision and a necessary freedom.

‘Statue In The Square’ keeps going with the theme:

“Well, either I’m nice on the eye
Or this person that’s passing me by has never seen one
Like me before, we endure it”

Whilst the first track feels like a film soundtrack, this one fizzes with the gentle air of menace that Wu-Tang Clan or NWA can conjure, the siren that kicks in halfway only adding to it. The second half has a great lyrical flow, the rapid-fire delivery that marks an artist with real control. ‘Know Yourself’ already impressed me greatly as a single, sampling a young Kae with the prescient “When I was young I sought help from my older self.” It makes for a wonderful duet.

As someone who will argue at length for hours as to why the Pet Shop Boys are one of the most important acts in the history of dance music it is wonderful to find Neil Tennant popping up on ‘Sunshine on Catford.’ There are several guest spots on the album. Young Fathers are on ‘Breathe.’ Tawiah brings her soul vocals to ‘Bless the Bold Future.’

There is an impressive range of styles and beats across this album. ‘Diagnoses’ is superb. ‘Bless the Bold Future’ has more of a dance rhythm as it questions whether it is right to bring children into the world in its current state. ‘Prayers to Whisper’ has more of a Streets vibe to it.

This is an impressive album. It tackles hard issues and human emotion head on. There are some truly great bars on here that will linger in your memory, delivered with style and panache.

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