The Tipping Scale. Kinlaw

The Tipping Scale is an album filled with modern electronic music that in general is quite far removed from what I prefer to hear on a regular basis. In spite of that inclination my interest was roused by two singles that were released in the past months and found their way to these pages. To await The Tipping Scale with open ears and mind was only a logical consequence.

Kinlaw creates her music with keyboards, synthesizers and other electronically induced sounds. Who knows, a song may start with an acoustic guitar or piano, there's no proof left on The Tipping Scale that it does. Although these instruments are at the basis of many modern day hits, Kinlaw takes a completely different turn at the musical crossroads. Yes, there are beats as well, and some of the songs are or could easily be remixed into dancetracks. It appears Kinlaw aims more for the heart than the legs.

I own only one album by Enya, the Celtic diva who scored a number 1 hit with the song 'Orinoco Flow' in the late 80s. If there is an album that the synthsounds, that hover like swaths of mist through a landscape at dawn in some of the songs, on this album remind me of, it is the Celtic sounds of Enya on that album. They hold that same sense of mystery. Decades apart and inorganic, the mood Kinlaw conjures up, is quite identical.

This is only part of the story. She falls into more modern categories as well, but here my musical taste and thus knowledge abandons me. For me to be able to judge her music along those lines, is impossible. The reason why I'm listening to The Tipping Scale has to do with Kinlaw's voice and the intriguing moods that a lot of the songs have on her first album.

Sarah Kinlaw was born in North Carolina and has already made a name for herself as a conceptual artist and choreographer. A part of this shows through successfully in the artwork and promo photos surrounding this release. The next step in her career is a full length album. I am not familiar with her other work but looking at the information on exhibitions and performances and especially the prestigious locations (MoMa among others), her name has been going around so to say. For this album she worked together with producer Jake Aron.

Her move into music seems effortless. As if it is only a natural step to do so and not a matter of talent, imagination and skills. All the songs are, despite the electronic instruments, flowing organically. The mystery that many songs hold within them, is always firmly grounded. Kinlaw has a down to earth quality as well, that shows through in the electronic rhythms. It symbolises the tipping scale in the title. If you ask me, Kinlaw is most comfortable in the middle of the see-saw where she holds the play tool, so exciting as a kid, perfectly balanced. From this balance she allows the mysteries of life and the party side into her music. Aiming for balance the serious undertones are already there. They all get their chance to play, as the middle ground is securely guarded.

This results in a far more adventurous album, than one would come to expect after reading this description, most likely exactly because the middle is guarded so well. A piece of ground to always fall back on while exploring her music in several directions. The Tipping Scale combines these sides in a successful, often intriguing way. (Celtic) mystery, dance and all.

Wo.

You can listen to and order The Tipping Scale here:

https://kinlaw.bandcamp.com/album/the-tipping-scale-2

or listen to our Spotify Playlist to find out what we are writing about:

https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g