Single Review

Jennifer Kingwell, formerly known as one-half of the indie cabaret sensation, The Jane Austen Argument, is kicking off her solo career with a forthcoming debut EP titled The Lotus Eaters. The first single off her debut is a powerful celebration of radical love in the face of resistance. Having spent some time in the States a couple of years ago, Kingwell became inspired by the Occupy movement, a catalyst that prompted her to write about the endurance of love and hope amidst chaos and revolution. Kissing in Tutus is a seven minute track consisting of Kingwell’s warm vocals, poetic lyricism and a variety of acoustic instrumentation. Kingwell sings and plays with a smile on her face, creating sweet and vivid images with her lyrics: “Somewhere in the world, there’s two kids with their hands in each other’s hair, kissing in tutus.” The title’s inception and the former lyrics were inspired by a lost photo showing Kingwell and an ex-partner kissing in the street in their tutus, amidst a carnival of resistance. Kissing in Tutus is a beautiful insight into the dichotomy of political revolution; passion and unity intertwined with anarchy and disorder. The track is organic in both its lyricism and acoustics. The lyrics are real and uplifting and the instrumentation is orchestral and minimalistic. Piano, strings and light percussion dominate the track, but ultimately, it is Kingwell’s wordplay that really stands out. The opening lyric, “Pull a thread, pull a thread, pull a red thread from the mouths of those sleeping in the park” immediately paints a picture of passion, love, sacrifice, anger and communism; collective emotions felt by protesters worldwide. Kingwell’s lyrics are poetic, yet clear and direct. She simultaneously illustrates the tyranny and cruelty of oppressive regimes juxtaposed with radical images of love and inspiration. Kingwell’s most potent lyric, “And the whole world is watching, cause this is the lens that makes sense” is undeniable in its truth. War doesn’t make sense, but love does and will continue to be eternally significant and unshakeable in a world dominated by confusion and uncertainty. Kingwell has delivered a beauty, and there is no doubt that her upcoming EP will contain similar treasures of lyrical inspiration.

Kissing in Tutus is being launched at the Empress Hotel on Friday October 25.