Kendra Morris’ 2016 EP Babble Gets Plush Reissue With Three New Tracks (ALBUM REVIEW)

photo: Sarai Mari

Colemine/Karma Chief Records are re-releasing Kendra Morris’ 2016 EP Babble and adding three new tracks to mark the occasion. The record’s mix of soul, hip hop, and jazz all support Morris’s strong voice as Babble does more than just ambulate along. 

The slinky retro soul starts things off on “Le Snitch” as warbling electro keys and echoing guitar support the track with chimes and vibraphones adding accents, but it is Morris’s dramatic vocals that lead the charge. You can tell from her first notes that there is passion in her aggrieved lyrics as Morris takes no prisoners. “Twist & Burn” is the best of the bunch as the upbeat popping groove is paired with sweet swirling vocals as Morris digs into love and all its trials. 

There is a direct hip-hop influence with the beats and arraignments on Babble. “Woman” uses haunting synths and funky distorted riffs while the slow beat/burn of “Avalanche” booms, but it is the layered “Wizards Float” which stands out. The track plays like a readymade RZA sample with a retro soul foundation and swelling strings, all around Morris’ falsetto singing.      

That vocal dominance is most clearly displayed on “Cry Sometimes”, a dynamite performance from a talented artist. While some of the songs on Babble could have been cut down a few bars for a tighter impact, the overall feeling and flow work. 

Morris delivers three new tracks for this reissue which play to her strengths and hint at new horizons. “Playing Games” lathers on the retro soul perfume, complete with strong bass lines and a warbling groove, “Dial Back” picks up the hip hop beats and super distorted guitar lines, but closer “Ride On” points in a different direction with its sparse, artsy, layers of sound and singing.  

Fans of Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones will find a lot to like on Babble as Morris melds past loves with future sounds, all anchored by her soaring vocals. 

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