On this debut album, the Canadian and New York City artist Kamra Sadia Abdul-Hakim wrote, performed and co-produced 11 tracks that welcome many guests to a modern version of Chitlin’ Circuit for and by Black musicians from the 1930s through the 1960s.
The chilling ambience of “Clear Scream” begins the listen with Sarah Glades’ soft drums and Pance Pony’s elegant cello that suits Kamra’s soulful and pretty pipes. “Black Gaze” then recruits a fuller climate of layered vocals that benefits from Courtney Anne McNally’s drums and a flowing dreaminess that wraps the listener into a soothing mood.
Moving along, the vocally strong “Absolute Ardor” makes great use of Rili’s violin and viola and Austin’s vocals in a more bare but no less impactful delivery, while “Feeling Impossible” is a stylish, r&b flavored moment that’s textured warmly. “Nerve Endings” might be the richest track, where strings, drums and Z Bell’s bass suit the elegant singing and chamber influenced album highlight.
The final two tracks, “Sun Burns” and “Dimensional Perfection,” don’t disappoint, either. The former spotlights Aviva Jaye’s radiant harp amid beats and lushness. The latter brings Galdes back on percussion alongside Kamra’s stunning range and dynamic songwriting.
An eclectic affair that touches on blues, folk, dance, singer-songwriter and atmospheric ideas, Shift Circuit gives these songs a nearly therapeutic quality, and the strategic use of samples, erotic themes and queer characters illustrates Kamra expanding from their signature acoustic sound into a very unique and welcoming persona.
This one’s very limited in physical form, where only 75 cassettes were made and they come with intricate artwork from Benedict Kupstas, colorful liner notes and a handy download card in case you don’t happen to own a tape player anymore.