Kae Tempest – The Line Is a Curve

Kae Tempest is a wordsmith of our modern times. The London musician, novelist, poet and playwright has a way with words that’s so endearing, it’s no wonder their previous albums have gained such high critical acclaim. In 2020, Tempest came out as non-binary, which they described as being a “beautiful but difficult” process. Now their latest album, The Line Is a Curve, sees Tempest at their most grounded, unashamed and unafraid yet.

Collaboration is a core element to the record; features from Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten on I Saw Light to the velvety smoothness of Lianne La Havas on No Prizes give the album an added sheen. Sonically, punchy synths pair with live, acoustic setups which fluctuate the dynamic.

But of course, Tempest’s lyrics are the star of the show. Their ability to produce such profound, poetic one-liners at any given moment is second to none. Pairing this with much more personal themes than they’ve ever explored before – from shame to disillusionment, love, anxiety and growth – it is both vulnerable and beautiful.

Kae Tempest fully opens up on The Line Is a Curve and it continues to blossom with every listen.

Listen to: Salt Coast, No Prizes (ft. Lianne La Havas), More Pressure (ft. Kevin Abstract)