Anyone who’s familiar with Kidepo’s Reunion EP may be taken a little by surprise upon hearing fresh new track ‘August In New York’ just six months down the line. Reunion was full of ethereal backdrops, gospel keys, homme-fatale vocal draws and a hazy production, and yet this newest release is an entirely different creature. Breaking the ice with intensifying keyboard ditty and a metallic clink, a new side to Kidepo’s vocal style emerges with R&B rhythms throughout the verses and soulful-pop refrains for the chorus. Oh, and then we take a drastic departure from dreamy minimalism for a contrasting synthesised drop of epic proportions. Lightning bolts of electronic fragmentation rattle through the track alongside Kidepo’s soulful incantations and descending piano and guitar notes. Kidepo is easily one of the most promising alternative talents to come out of New York this year. Keep watching. - HT