Brit Adam Bainbridge, the pop-soul artist of Kindness, is set to release his second album, Otherness later this year. This second musical venture is more collaborative than his 2012 debut album, World, You Need a Change of Mind, and the announcement comes with a trailer and new song release.
The song release is the album’s opener, “World Restart” and features rising R&B star Kelela, and Ade. The single opens with an upbeat but definitely jazzy style, and lots of brass. The vocals feature intricate harmonization with clear jazz and R&B influences. There’s a sexy bass line and unique instruments that create a rich mosaic of background sound.
Kindness’ first album featured EDM inspired tracks that were nestled comfortably in the genre of French dance (think Daft Punk and Justice). The tracks were sweet, “sparkly,” even, and felt altogether peppy and full of sound.
From “World Restart,” it’s clear that Kindness has kept up the sweetness and depth of his music, but there’s a shift towards a jazz that maintains a bit of sparkle. The album is even being mixed by Jimmy Douglass, whose previous work has included Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, and Justin Timberlake- which suggests we’re in for an album full of the sort of sexy-smooth sound R&B is known for. This album differs from the first in another, more human way. According to Bainbridge, ”there’s a lot of first vocals and raw, imperfect takes” and these “mistakes…might be the most important part.” Bainbridge has said that he’s not about making radio hits, necessarily; “let Katy Perry make great radio songs.” This second album showcases music that’s catchy but still real. It’s a focus on the people, as evidenced by the sheer number of collaboration songs on the tracklist.
In addition to Kelela and Ade, Kindness is working with Sweden’s star Robyn, and Dev Hyne’s of Blood Orange. Otherness will be out October 14 in the U.S. You can check out “World Restart” and the full tracklist below, along with the short album trailer.
Otherness
01. World Restart [ft. Kelela & Ade]
02. This Is Not About Us
03. I’ll Be Back
04. Who Do You Love? [ft. Robyn]
05. 8th Wonder [ft. M.anifest]
06. With You [ft. Kelela]
07. Geneva
08. For The Young
09. Why Don’t You Love Me [ft. Devonté Hynes & Tawiah]
10. It’ll Be OK
This black and white trailer is jazzy and sensual, reflecting the vibes of the new single. The trailer features beautiful nature and cityscape shots juxtaposed with Bainbridge, and more specifically, his shoes. And that long, wavy mane.