FKA twigs
M3LL155X (Young Turks)
After a pair of underground EPs, the Gloucestershire artist known as FKA twigs (AKA Tahliah Barnett) alerted the world to her presence last year with her debut full-length, LP1. A flood of accolades soon followed, including a Mercury Prize nomination. Determined to do things her way, FKA twigs has chosen to follow up on her enormously popular debut not with another full-length, but with a five-song EP accompanied by a 20-minute video.
On M3LL155X(pronounced “Melissa”), she further refines her glitchy trip hop sound, this time with the help of one-time Beyoncé producer Boots.
Brooding, minimalist beats provide the backdrop for FKA twigs’ vocals. Alternating between breathy whispers and heart-wrenching howls, she evokes vulnerability and strength in equal measure as she describes the dynamics of power in the tug-of-war of love and relationships. Just don’t confuse vulnerability with weakness; FKA twigs is always in control.
Rating: 4/5
