Kelsie Kimberlin – Vlad (2023)
Known for her energetic, hard-hitting, powerful music, singer-songwriter Kelsie Kimberlin draws together the harshness of rock and forcefulness of pop-punk to capture the core of provocative issues. The last time US-based Kimberlin reached our ears was with her single ‘Shattered’ where she tapped on the effects of toxic relationships – the bad and good side. The loss of confidence and anxiety overtaken by the strength to “put it all back together”. Today, we jump again into her critically acclaimed discography with the new single ‘Vlad’.
Embracing her creativity and passion for music at a young age, Kimberlin spent much of her time in music studios writing original music; however, it is not only music that inspires her cathartic message. Understanding the power of melodies and videos, Kimberlin shares that she wants to shed light on significant issues in today’s society. She explains:
“Right now, the world is going through cataclysmic and historic changes that are affecting every person on the planet. How we respond to them will determine the fate of life on earth for future generations. I want to use my music to shine light on some of these issues and give people hope that together we can unite in our humanity for the common good.”
Capturing the essence of this desire to shed light on significant, albeit provocative issues, Kimberlin released several singles exploring the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Following her Ukrainian Trilogy – a collection of songs described as one of the most impressive narratives of our times – Kimberlin releases her single ‘Vlad’. As with the trilogy tracks ‘Armageddon’, ‘Another Chance To Live Again’ and ‘Turn Back’, the American-Ukrainian musician exposes a grittier side of humanity that we often choose to ignore with a blast of soul-stirring music.
Shifting from heavy rap meets brash rock in ‘Armageddon’ to the alternative rock ‘Another Chance To Live Again’ and the ethereal soulfulness of ‘Turn Back’, ‘Vlad’ blends all three sensibilities in a single melody. Hard-hitting rap-rock brings an edgy twist to slips of soulful tenderness while a thread of alternative rock with pop-punk punches shines through like a bright silvery line in a dark desperate mire of doom. Bold guitars match crashing drums creating a head-twirling flood of sound while Kimberlin’s rich vocals bring an abrupt brashness with punk-inspired forcefulness.
In addition to the single, Kimberlin released an official lyric video for ‘Vlad’. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
For more from Kelsie Kimberlin, check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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