Recorded prior to his recent health struggles, Fudge is unmistakeably Kiwanuka – but has a streak of freedom and spontaneity to it.
Michael Kiwanuka is one of those rare and special talents. Someone slightly removed from the contemporary sounds that surround him, making the style of music that he wants to make. A Mercury Music Prize winner in 2020 for his third self-titled album. Previous album Small Changes was sensational, coming in at 28 on our Albums of The Year for 2024. Fudge was made without his normal team of Danger Mouse and Inflo producing, Kiwanuka producing the initial recordings before bringing in Dom Monks and Rosie Danvers to get it completed and orchestrated.
There are some rougher edges to Fudge, songs like ‘Drowning in Your Heart’ which is mostly just Kiwanuka singing over some low-key strumming on his guitar. ‘Across the Sky’ and ‘Move In My Direction’ are some of the other tracks following a similar pattern. Some extra layering does appear but the core is almost demo-like. There is an immediacy to the simplicity at work, a direct emotional connection that sometimes gets lost in the elaborate production values of his primary work. Whilst he is always a soul singer, here there is more of a direct line into his own soul.
Made almost in parallel to Small Changes, the album release was delayed for a year after Kiwanuka recovered from serious health issues. He suffered a stroke at only 38 years of age, caused by a bleed on the brain from high blood pressure. Kiwanuka is unlikely to be gigging or recording for the foreseeable future whilst he continues to recover.
Overall this is more Kiwanuka magic. The distinctive vocals and trademark soulful orchestration expanding on the more simplified core. Another album that demands repeat listening and rewards clear concentration.
Essential Tracks: ‘Just Another Moment,’ ‘Love In My Heart,’ ‘You Sent Me Flying’ and ‘Sing.’
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