Kurt Vile - Pretty Pimpin’

“It’s a weird, accepting, mature record, acknowledging the inherent immaturity of being a person.” In one sentence of her description to his new record ‘B’lieve I’m Goin Down’, Kim Gordon eloquently defines Kurt Vile’s approach to songwriting and apparent attitude in life. Through his prolific creativity, Vile has consistently attempted to find himself, using music to document his day-to-day life in such a way that belies Vile’s young age. With ‘Pretty Pimpin”, the Philadelphia native continues in his now familiarly clear style, with a once again sharper, more focused outlook.

The track embodies a feeling of transition, in Vile himself and the surroundings around him. Unable to keep track of time and how he is changing as a person, Vile is at once anxious and humorously undeterred, “I woke up this morning, didn’t recognise the man in the mirror,” is delivered with Vile’s almost expressionless tone, a smooth flow that can’t help but be warm and welcoming in such a uncompromising image. Vile is changing in himself but adapting, finding happiness in his growth.

The comfort is felt likewise in his tone, the authenticity to his rolling melodies and quick verses that first appeared on ‘Smoke Ring For My Halo’ developing that feeling of serenity. The repeated refrain of it’s chorus, “I could be one thousand miles away, but still me” leaves a pertinent reminder of Vile’s straightforward openness.

‘Pretty Pimpin’ is a compelling record of transition and adjustment, Vile thriving in the detail of his more focused composition and further forthright subject matter.