KUCKA - Wrestling

 

KUCKA is a recognizable name, especially to anyone that has listened through Flume's past few projects. Notably, her soothing vocals helped complete the euphoric "Voices" in the "Hi, This is Flume" mixtape. Additionally, her warped vocals were a satisfying presence in the marvelling 'Hyperreal', part of the 'Skin Companion EP II.' However, her performance in Vince Staples' 'Yeah Right' from the 'Big Fish Theory' is by far the most memorable. Her bridge was a rather blissful calm between two thunderous storms of verses from Vince Staples and Kendrick Lamar, supplemented by SOPHIE's earth-shattering production. So yes, KUCKA is a reliable feature vocalist. So how does the Australian songstress fare in a full-length project such as her debuting 'Wrestling' album?

After a modest synth-wave cut about self-conflict in the self-titled opener and a rather forgettable 'Contemplation', the album does reach its most intriguing chapter, on paper, at 'Drowning.' The co-production from Flume and KUCKA here deliver a decent banger. The dusty trap beats are a pleasing touch, and the piano pattern does well in supplementing KUCKA's chorus. 'Ascension' is unfortunately mediocre as, despite a dreamy instrumental and lyrics of self-love and overcoming your past mistakes, the vocal chopping throughout the track's chorus is offputting.

Following 'Afterparty', the album is at its most jarring point in 'Joyride'. The vocal-chopping pattern in the instrumental-only track is annoyingly obnoxious. After a couple of forgettable cuts, the record does start to recover at the decent 'No Good For Me.' The instrumental is more uplifting and rhythmic as KUCKA delivers a charismatic performance here. Before the album's end, KUCKA pleasantly chills with 'Eternity.' The instrumentally is satisfyingly nocturnal. Also, the vocal-chopping pattern in the cut's chorus is, for once, sonically fitting. 'Patience' is an okay finish to the record. While there is an interesting lyrical implication of overcoming mental obstacles, the starry instrumental is dull.

Despite decent vocal performances throughout and segments of introspective lyricism, 'Wrestling' does suffer from KUCKA's questionable production decisions, such as the obnoxious vocal-chop patterns in 'Ascension' and 'Joyride'. Additionally, the album does have more forgettable moments than sonically intriguing cuts.

Best Track(s): Drowning, Eternity

4.75/10.

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