Kylie Auldist – Hybrid
Australian soul singer Kylie Auldist will release her sixth album “Hybrid” this Friday. It’s her first release since the 2020 LP “This Is What Happiness Looks Like” and it finds her, once again, in funky, soulful boogie mode with lots of 80s-sounding synths, like on the lengthy opener “One Time Offer” which also has some very cool and elongated Rhodes solo which takes us all the way to the end of these highly satisfying, almost seven minutes. A rare feat these days where many of the songs don’t last longer than 3-4 minutes, but it gives this particular track that extra special dose of class and jazz and style. Very promising and brave opener which works amazingly. “Birthday Boy”, one of the three singles which had been released prior to the album, boasts with more mid 80s production values and pretty thick arrangement work. The wonderful, joyous chorus envelops you with extra special warmth and positive power.
Kylie is once again working with her band mates Gillian Gregory, Graham Pogson and Warren Hunter (producer) and she excels on the swaying midtempo “Close To You”, featuring singer thndo. It’s a welcome step towards a slower pace here and simply oozes class and soul. I really dig the handclaps vibe on “Later Tonight” where Kylie also shows her much more sumptuous voice which seems to have gained a lot of ground since her last album. Things step up again for the rock-induced siren “Get In The Game”. And “Dre Dream”, co-composed by fellow Australian Audrey Powne, has this super groovy, effortless vocal arrangement which turns it into an irresistible piece with more of those 80s boogie textures and layers and an elegant bridge which fits perfectly.
And then there’s “Pheromones”. Starting with a Louis Johnson-style funky bass, the midtempo tune quickly turns into a little anthem, complete with some Lonnie Liston Smith-like heavenly keys and a very strong vocal performance, with some neat percussion as well. Somehow sounds like an early Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis piece, like Cherrelle maybe. It’s a pretty compelling tune. “Wanna Be Where You Are” is a sweet groove ballad which really sways along perfectly. Some more solid boogie stuff on “U4Me” before the album ends on another strong nod to the 80s on “GD Goddess”. “Hybrid” is easily the most satisfying and convincing album by Kylie so far and an LP you want to get back to more than twice.
