At this point, Kali Uchis has solidified herself as both pop juggernaut and high-fantasy storyteller — listen to the slow-boil smash hit "Telepatia" or hear her escape into the clouds on 2018's bittersweet "In My Dreams"; Uchis has the range. Rather than pivot from that designation, Uchis sinks in deeper on her third studio album Red Moon in Venus, taking listeners into the depths of her favourite subject: love.
Sparkling, gentle forest sounds open the journey into Uchis' lagoon. Steaming and flourishing with the kind of flowers that only bloom at night, the record's intro finds Uchis casually beckoning — "I just wanted to tell you, in case you forgot…I love you," she intones, before being swept into first single "I Wish You Roses." Uchis' voice remains soft and husky in its vibrant expression, each phrase spoken directly into your ears.
Themes of love and sensuality are not uncommon in Uchis' repertoire, but Red Moon in Venus finds her opening her arms wider than she's even done before. The most impressive aspect of Red Moon in Venus is the way Uchis explores such common topics in all their myriad manifestations — "I Wish You Roses" is a gracious breakup song that honours the grief and the love that existed in a romantic relationship, reassuring a former lover that "any love [given to] you / Is forever yours to keep."
"All Mine" is an instant highlight, with its quiet confidence and syncopated drums and Uchis's acrobatic falsetto embodying the featherlight confidence asserted by the lyrics. Meanwhile, Uchis wants listeners to begin calling love into their life in "Como te Quiero Yo"; on the first verse, Uchis sings — intimately, her breath on your neck — that she wants "you constantly, eternally, unconditionally." The record swings between elements of fiery passion and cool winds simultaneously, lulling the listener into a blissed-out trance.
Though there's not much variation in volume or tempo, listening carefully to the record's subtle weather shifts is deeply satisfying; it's a dream state, enveloped by Uchis' inimitable voice. Red Moon in Venus is relaxed but never lacking, downtempo but never dragging — it's made for humid nights and long evenings near the sea, hoping beyond hope that the setting sun will stick around just a little longer.
(Geffen)Sparkling, gentle forest sounds open the journey into Uchis' lagoon. Steaming and flourishing with the kind of flowers that only bloom at night, the record's intro finds Uchis casually beckoning — "I just wanted to tell you, in case you forgot…I love you," she intones, before being swept into first single "I Wish You Roses." Uchis' voice remains soft and husky in its vibrant expression, each phrase spoken directly into your ears.
Themes of love and sensuality are not uncommon in Uchis' repertoire, but Red Moon in Venus finds her opening her arms wider than she's even done before. The most impressive aspect of Red Moon in Venus is the way Uchis explores such common topics in all their myriad manifestations — "I Wish You Roses" is a gracious breakup song that honours the grief and the love that existed in a romantic relationship, reassuring a former lover that "any love [given to] you / Is forever yours to keep."
"All Mine" is an instant highlight, with its quiet confidence and syncopated drums and Uchis's acrobatic falsetto embodying the featherlight confidence asserted by the lyrics. Meanwhile, Uchis wants listeners to begin calling love into their life in "Como te Quiero Yo"; on the first verse, Uchis sings — intimately, her breath on your neck — that she wants "you constantly, eternally, unconditionally." The record swings between elements of fiery passion and cool winds simultaneously, lulling the listener into a blissed-out trance.
Though there's not much variation in volume or tempo, listening carefully to the record's subtle weather shifts is deeply satisfying; it's a dream state, enveloped by Uchis' inimitable voice. Red Moon in Venus is relaxed but never lacking, downtempo but never dragging — it's made for humid nights and long evenings near the sea, hoping beyond hope that the setting sun will stick around just a little longer.
