Whereas KIDS felt overly-manicured, (Against The Machine) is everything people want from Noga Erez

Noga Erez

"KIDS (Against The Machine)"

Release date: 05 November 2021

8/10

09 November 2021, 09:19 | Written by Daniel Cummings

(Albums)

(Noga Erez)

In spring 2021, Noga Erez gave us a mouth-watering glimpse into her second LP, KIDS. Each of the yet-to-be-released album’s singles were accompanied by a stunning live performance, featuring a 7-piece band complete with horns, synths and two drum kits. Vibrant, energetic and impeccably tight, these sessions created perhaps unrealistic expectations for the new album, and upon its eventual release, the end result was somewhat disappointing. Live brass was traded for electronic kicks, and the music felt colder, radio-pandering, and a shadow of the songs we had heard performed so thrillingly months before. KIDS (Against the Machine) is that album - the one fans wanted to hear - and this time it certainly lives up to the billing.

Each of the songs heard on KIDS are here, save for one, now rearranged for big band and children’s choir. Those singles heard in the live sessions - “CIPI”, “Story”, “End of the Road”, “Switch it Off” and “VIEWS” - are the exact versions you hear now, with Erez’s laughter at the beginning of “VIEWS” being the giveaway. The order though is different, as the title track is promoted to pole position, shining more of a light on the song (and the album)’s themes, of youthful energy, defiance, and naivety.

“Knockout” is one track that particularly benefits from the organic makeover, with Erez’s irresistible vocal delivery cutting through live clapping and backing vocals as instruments are tastefully added one by one. So too does “Bark Loud”, as Tierra Whack-infused semi-nonsensical lyrics are allowed room to breathe in a sparser arrangement. “YOU SO DONE”, however, is scarcely recognizable; once chaotic and thrashing, the song is now an intimate, stirring duet between voice and unsettling tremolo guitar, and provides a much-needed rest from its uptempo surroundings.

It may have been a bold choice to re-work her sophomore album amidst fan clamourings, but it is one that pays off, as she casts a new light on old material, and showcases the other side to her futuristic soundworld.