Kim Gordon, the iconic bassist and vocalist, has always been synonymous with coolness. Her distinctive voice, boundary-pushing bass playing, and fusion of feminism and art-school sensibilities have shaped the landscape of rock & roll. Now, with her second post-Sonic Youth solo album, The Collective, Gordon continues her artistic exploration.
Album Overview
- Title: The Collective
- Release Date: March 8, 2024 (Matador Records)
- Genre: A captivating blend of industrial trap, post-punk, and electronic experimentation
- Producer: Collaborating once again with Justin Raisen, known for his work with artists like Angel Olsen and Charli XCX
- Themes: Chaos, masculinity, acid trips, and personal reflections
Musical Direction
- The Collective builds upon Gordon’s previous solo effort, No Home Record (2019), which was hailed for its modernity and fierce energy.
- The single “Bye Bye” stands out, weaving a holiday packing list into grinding industrial trap beats. Gordon pays homage to her late brother, Keller, in this poignant track.
- Other notable songs include “I’m a Man” and “Psychedelic Orgasm”, which delve into themes of masculinity and altered states of consciousness.
Gordon’s Artistic Vision
- Gordon’s spiky, staccato vocal delivery remains a signature, but on The Collective, it occasionally battles with distortion and cacophony.
- The album oscillates between tension and torpor, capturing the edge of chaos. However, some tracks, like “Shelf Warmer”, offer a brief respite from the intensity.
- As an artist who thrives on risk-taking, Gordon occasionally teeters on the edge, reminding us that creativity often involves pushing boundaries.