Emily King: The Switch
Emily King: The Switch
Some of the songs on this album will be familiar if you’ve been following Emily King’s career for the past few years. You may have heard them performed live or seen a version of them on YouTube. “Good Friend” and “Distance” were each released prior to the album, with the latter being featured in a music video so good that it makes it difficult to listen to the song without it. There was no rush for this album. Since parting from a major record label in 2008, she has been working at her own pace, releasing the Seven EP in 2011 and a few singles along the way. She has also toured extensively in support of notable acts such as Sara Bareilles and Emeli Sande. Nevertheless, this dedication to artistry, i.e. less is more, created the anticipation of always wanting more for her fans (quality does that).
Finally and without much build-up or fanfare, The Switch was released on Emily King’s very own record label, the aptly named Making Music Records. In a recent interview with The Speakeasy, it was emphasized that this album represented a vision that Emily King had developed and learned to trust over the years. It’s not only an artist statement, it’s just a consequence of the trajectory of her career. Working independently and establishing longterm, meaningful collaborations has yielded an album that only expands upon her repertoire.
The Switch swoons to the same tune as her previous efforts, but with a little more attitude–as evidenced by the titled track in which she can’t be bothered to tolerate the inconsistent character of her partner. She is also confident in her past, with tracks like “Already There” and “The Animals” affirming the process of removing her doubts. The latter of which has also been beautifully rendered into an animated music video (Emily King’s signature hairstyle makes an appearance). Despite having been previously released, “Distance” is still one of standout tracks on the album. The song represents everything that is irresistible about Emily King’s music. It’s the kind of slow jam that gives your neck something to do, maybe work out a few of the kinks along the way. You can also appreciate Emily King’s strength as a lyricist on this track, with the line “Love is always better when we take time to get back to who we are” echoing a pragmatic romanticism found throughout the record.
Overall, The Switch is a quiet album, sensual but careful to avoid the sentimental. It still features the signature twang of electric guitar here and there, as well as a more upbeat tune in “Off Center.” “Out of the Clouds” is probably the furthest she stretches her sound. The dreamy quality of its shuffling waltz is like listening to The Beatles filtered through a genuine R&B lens. Yet the consistency of tone throughout the album is undeniable. The Switch is an album for lovers and dreamers who are not yet there, but have given themselves completely to the experience.
