The Undefinable FKA Twigs

FKA Twigs is a name you’ll probably hear more often.  She’s an English singer who cannot be defined by a genre. While some are quick to dub her the next big thing in alternative (or subgenre of ) R&B, she’s much more than that.  With two previous EPs under her belt, her first full length release, appropriately titled LP1, is a subtle preview at what makes her interesting and someone to watch out for.

The first few notes of “Preface,” the first track, do not provide much in terms of what you should prepare yourself for.  Staccato vocalizations and tight harmonies with an electronic beat are the only things heard throughout the song.  When she starts singing— that’s when you know something is different about Twigs.  She comes across like a female version of The Weeknd.  “Lights On” and “Two Weeks” speak explicitly about sex and what she wants done  (“Two Weeks” also boasts a very similar lick to Air Supply’s “I’m All Out of Love”).  Still, as she continues in the songs, there’s still a delicate quality to her words.

“Numbers” has the same R&B quality, but also a slight trap feel with the beat.  “Was I just a number to you / Was I just a lonely girl to fly?” The delicate quality of her vox is a little more broken here, and we can hear the beginnings of the singer’s full voice.  It’s not a typical pop song, and it’s the type of music that doesn’t really need a category.

Upon first listen, you may scratch your head.  By the second listen, you might still wonder what you’ve just heard.  The third listen will make you realize what exactly you have in your hands.  There’s more to the songs than you realize.  Little bits of old school R&B influences and throwbacks on carefully orchestrated tracks define LP 1.  It’s a chaotic jumble of something.  FKA Twigs is something all her own and she’s going to be a name to know because of it.  There’s a reason FKA Twigs shouldn’t be cornered into a genre, especially since you’ll scratch your head for most of the album trying to figure out where to place her.