Imaginative and reflective, the GRAMMY-winning Kimbra returned with “Stuff I Don’t Need” featuring alternative R&B artist, BANKS. The track is the first taste of her new project, Idols & Vices (Vol. 1), a collaborative and highly visual album set to release on September 25th. From now until then, the story will unfold little by little with the release of one new song per week. Known for her experimental inclinations and honest lyricism, “Stuff I Don’t Need” shines a light on these qualities subtly and refreshingly.
Press play and the ears are immediately met with a delightfully spacious soundscape. A percussion mixture of drums and a clap/snap keep pace in a charming 90’s R&B way. Kimbra’s vocals elegantly float on top, resulting in a laid-back, slightly sensual vibe. She delivers a thoughtful, contra-materialist message through spacious vocal layers:
We fill our lives
“Stuff I Don’t Need (ft. BANKS),” Kimbra
With a thousand things
But they don’t matter
They’re just forms of flattery
BANKS’s raspy vocal tone adds a slight edge as she glides through her verse, then duetting Kimbra for a chorus. A light piano and vocal adlibs that say “ayy, ohh” complete the recipe of the song.
As mentioned and seen above, the upcoming Idols & Vices (Vol. 1) features accompanying visuals, created by New Zealand animator Greg Sharp. 10 different characters will appear, each navigating fantastical worlds of distraction in pursuit of a higher knowledge. The album’s central message aligns with these stories, unpacking themes like toxic celebrity culture, online personas, and digital identity invention. Production credits mainly go to Kimbra and Taylor Graves, with additions from Dan Edinburg, Tommy Raps, Skrillex, and more. Other features include Dawn Richard, DRAM, Le’Asha, and more.
Kimbra is no stranger to success, with her debut album Vows earning platinum certification the same year as her iconic feature on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Long praised for her progressive sound, she has also impressed publications such as The Australian, Double J, and PAPER Magazine with her most recent album A Reckoning. It was noted as her most confessional and reflective across the board. As Idols & Vices (Vol. 1) continues to roll out, Kimbra adds new high-quality work to her portfolio.
Stream “Stuff I Don’t Need (ft. BANKS)” on Spotify and Apple Music to support her new era of creativity.
3 Comments