Kylie Auldist: Still Life

Australian R&B artist Kylie Auldist sounds incredibly mature on the 2012 effort Still Life. Auldist adheres to a retro-soul script steeped in classicism that avoids anachronism. Highlight “Still Life” kickstarts with an ‘old-school’ sound, characterized by soulful cues and commanding vocals. “Counting on You” maintains momentum while “Changes” recalls ’70s disco, all the while showcasing Auldist’s capable voice. Auldist restrains on “The Letterhead Life”, but not without showing off her falsetto upon lush strings. On “Nothin’ Else to Beat Me” she’s funky and sassy, delivering a performance Sharon Jones would envy. “About Face” is a reflective, momentous number while “Howlin’ For You” is a rousing Black Keys cover rethought in reggae-soul idiom. Every song epitomizes consistency and soulfulness with Auldist always rising to the occasion. Still Life, hence, is a fine album. This retro-soul affair proves to be a solid testament to Auldist’s consummate artistry.