Mykki Blanco - Stay Close To Music

For all ‘Stay Close To Music’ isn’t afraid to get weird – see ‘You Will Find It’, a collaboration with folky eccentric Devendra Banhart, as Exhibit One – what’s really notable on this third solo full-length from Mykki Blanco is just how straightforward it can be. Single ‘Family Ties’, with REM’s Michael Stipe, features the guest in wise elder mode in its chorus; Oakland singer Ah-Mer-Ah-Su’s turn on ‘Your Feminism Is Not My Feminism’ centres on a gorgeously rhythmic, hooky refrain, “Your feminism’s not my feminism / Unless it includes all kinds of women.” Jónsi’s feature on ‘Carry On’ sees the Sigur Rós frontman act as a propelling inner voice – and contribute an earworm in the process. Even ANOHNI, who turns up on the album version of single ‘French Lessons’ alongside Kelsey Lu provides something grounding while the trio’s vocals entwine to stunning effect. Elsewhere, it’s the kind of stylistic pick’n’mix Mykki has made their name on: ‘Ketamine’ with Slug Christ nods to the latest iteration of pop-punk; ‘Your Love Was A Gift’ shows a fragility to Dianna Gordon’s vocals amid ghostly production; ‘Trust A Little Bit’ shimmers with a tender nature. And best of all, it works as a whole.