UK singer, Katy B, usually is always “ok” in my book. Normally I fall in love with any track that she sings. She’s got a beautiful voice and sings so casually that it almost contradicts the heavy dance track that’s going on musically. For years, she’s also brought a little bit of an R&B vocal to dance music, which has always been an interesting mix. Guaranteed to get me onboard.
For whatever reason, though, I’m having some trouble getting into her new song. “Calm Down” is a collaboration between Katy B, Four Tet and the Floating Points. Both are critically acclaimed for their work in electronica.
I’d almost feel like saying, that the musical bubbles the track reminds me off are incredibly intriguing, but the bubble doesn’t seem to for me. Instead, I found the track a bit dull and even Katy’s vocals, with perfect harmonies, couldn’t really save it for me.
Of course, I’m incredibly aware of the curse of club music. I’ve had this with many remixes as well. They just don’t work if you’re not on the dance floor dancing. They just seem to go on and on, when you’re listening to them, but when you’re dancing they suddenly seem to only last a minute.
So, I did what is rare for someone reviewing a song. I gave it a second go. The second time around, I’m liking this track better. I can see how this could work in a DJ set, but still it lacks the instant power of her usual material.
Judging by the amount of viewers her YouTube upload has gotten, so far, only 11,000 views since its upload almost a month ago, I’m not the only one needing a moment to get into this. Especially when you compare it to the millions of views she has gotten on other tracks.
Feel free to form your own opinion about the track right here:
Katy B, luckily, just had a massive hit with KDA and Tinie Tempah and she’s built up quite a reputation for herself within the dance scene. She’ll have no trouble filling up the O2 Academy in Brixton for her first massive solo gig in May this year.
