- Isolation has become more than just a debut album name for pop sensation Kali Uchis. Released in 2018, the project was a wide success and led to a series of singles and guest features on the path to the eventual follow up. This was, of course, before the COVID pandemic struck and left Kali unable to release whatever was in store. With ongoing delays, Kali has instead opted to release a four-track EP entitled TO FEEL ALIVE, comprised entirely of songs written and recorded in isolation.
Opening track honey baby (SPOILED!) is an ode to a lover who treats Kali exactly how she wants. A reworking of an unreleased track for Isolation, the song is a continuation of Kali’s love for tiptoeing the tulips. The production, consisting of heavenly harps, hard-hitting snares and birds chirping, matches her angelic singing perfectly. However, the shortcomings of the track are in both writing and length. Even though it matches the pure cheesy sentimentality, my eyes roll when Kali compares the way love feeds her to having the munchies. Also, at a mere two minutes, I am left wanting to explore more of this blissful track and can’t help but feel underwhelmed.
Angel is more of the same and another remake of track left over from a previous EP. A further exploration of a relationship, the track is focused on ways love makes Kali feel high. Another eye-rolling metaphor about Pablo Escobar aside, Kali continues to win me over with her beautiful voice even if the song itself feels undercooked.
I want war (BUT I NEED PEACE) stands above the first two tracks both thematically and in the way it utilises its short length. While most of Kali’s previous work portrays love in a positive manner, I want war explores when relationships just stop working. Kali feels her needs are not being met by a current partner and is slowly losing her sanity. The strong song writing is both sexual and religious leading to a nice juxtaposition which elevates the track from sounding like a demo. Kali’s vocal performance is impressive and rolls with the drums in a smooth fashion.
Title track TO FEEL ALIVE is a culmination of the themes of the previous tracks and easily the strongest track of the four. It is no surprise that the longest track sounds the most complete, even if the instrumental is just a double bass playing four to five notes. Thematically, Kali details her need to persevere despite never being made to feel enough by those around her. The chorus is simple but relatable in its struggle with emotions and need to find meaning in life. The outro is magnificent as Kali hits a truly remarkable Minnie Riperton-esque whistle tone.
TO FEEL ALIVE lives up to exactly what it markets itself as. I can’t be too mad at a collection of demo-like tracks that serve as an entrée before the main course. While Kali’s song writing isn’t her strongest and some of the tracks miss the catchy pop punch of Isolation, the pop singer’s vocals continue to be an impressive feat and the EP is decent enough to hold over until whatever is next.
- James Chadwick.