‘Strangelove’ is an effortlessly funky album rooted in electronic dance music, but with a penchant and effort to storytelling that delves into the depths of our experience. The album takes the perspective of Kech’s alter ego ‘StrangeLove’, a character in which the album was named after. The record traverses Strangelove’s journey going through a tough breakup during the lockdown. It therefore navigates through the highs and lows of life, isolation, togetherness, love, and more. That counter, the opposition between every facet of our life is fundamental to KECH’s record. In a word, ‘Duality’ becomes a dominant theme.
Sonically, ‘Strangelove’ is defiantly upbeat. A rambunctious disco driven project that’s covered in shimmering synths and the glitter of 80s music. It manages to strike a balance between that retro feel with modern, almost experimental avant-garde sounds. It combines glitter and groove, delectably funky throughout combining epic nostalgic anthems with dance driven beats that demand your movement. The multi-talented singer-songwriter, producer, and performer from Melbourne, has over a eleven year period mastered multiple instruments. That eclecticism finds its way well into this record, which effortlessly synthesizes it all together.
The record’s lead single ‘So There’s This Girl…’, perfectly encapsulates the funk and groove of the album. It’s a defiant dance anthem of a tune, loaded with enthusiasm and emotion. Rather than showing one side of the story, Kech wanted listeners to be able to hear her perspective too. However, the albums’ opener ‘The Place’ kicks the record off from a much darker and more placid place. It’s an eerie start, that eventually evolves into a smooth and sumptuous ballad that’s radically different from the more upbeat and wall to wall electronic disco anthems on the rest of the piece. It’s a testament to the levels of changeups and eclecticism that Kech is able to bring to life.
All in all, a piece of electronic music that’s loaded with something for everyone, all tied in to a larger narrative that’s compelling in every way.