Description
#anjimile #vinyl #vinylrecords
Anjimile, also known as Anjimile Chithambo, has released his latest full-length album, “The King,” following his previous work, “Giver Taker,” from 2020. This new album marks a significant artistic shift for Anjimile, evident from the opening track which features a melodic choir. However, the initial tranquil atmosphere is abruptly interrupted by sinister arpeggios, creating a contrasting and serious tone. “The King” delves deep into the emotions of confusion, grief, and rage that come with being Black in America. Anjimile challenges the cliché notion that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, expressing the sentiment that what doesn’t kill you almost did, causing pain and draining one’s spirit.
Described as an album of curses, “The King” builds upon Anjimile’s exploration of their identity as a Black trans person in America. It embodies an honest reflection on the tragic events of 2020, offering a different perspective from the early days of sobriety. The album draws inspiration from various sources, including religion, the music of Phillip Glass, and personal experiences. What sets “The King” apart is its minimalistic approach, with Anjimile relying heavily on an acoustic guitar and their own vocals to create nearly every sound on the album. Although there are notable contributions from other artists such as Justine Bowe, Brad Allen Williams, Sam Gendel, and James Krivchenia (from Big Thief), most of the album was crafted during Anjimile’s year-long collaboration with Grammy and Juno winner, Shawn Everett, in Los Angeles.
In summary, Anjimile’s “The King” showcases a significant artistic evolution from their previous work. With its raw and introspective themes, the album authentically portrays the struggles faced by Black trans individuals in America. By incorporating minimal instrumentation and collaborating with esteemed artists, Anjimile has created a powerful and immersive musical experience. Fans of Anjimile’s previous work, as well as those who appreciate the influences of artists such as Phillip Glass and Big Thief, will undoubtedly find “The King” to be a compelling addition to their collection.
