The unique talent that is Kidepo takes another step forward with new track ‘Be A Man (Get In The Cold Shower’, his follow up to sizzling ‘August In New York’ and second single since the momentous debut Reunion EP, last year. The most noticeable shift with this new release is the song structure - the formless reveries of Reunion seem long past and the Africana rhythms of preceding song have been sidestepped this time. It verges on pop; not fluffy stuff of course, but pop of substance as we’ve heard from London’s Rationale - this is where we can also draw comparisons to the soulful vocals and dramatic refrains. Bubbling underneath is a patchwork of electronic beats, harmonised synths and a blazing funk guitar, enriched with airy vocal recordings floating in the background, behind Kidepo’s bold performance. It’s not entirely clear what the song is about, but like so many good ones, it does seem to involve love, or the lack thereof. One interpretation could be that through insomnia and uncertainty, Kidepo’s character is psyching himself up to be brave, to “man up”, to go after what he wants - even if it’s a little late, or out of his reach. - HT