Boston-based artist Anjimile returns with a new album “The King”, and his 4AD Records debut and the follow-up to 2020’s “Giver Taker”. “If “Giver Taker” was an album of prayers,” the singer-songwriter explained in press materials, “The King” is an album of curses.”
Anjimile Chithambo, better known as Anjimile, announces his new album, “The King”, out September 8th, his first full-length since 2020’s breakthrough “Giver Taker”. To herald the announcement, he shares lead single, ‘The King’, accompanied by a visualiser by Daniela Yohannes, whose striking painting takes centre stage on the album cover.
Highlighting the artistic shift from “Giver Taker” to now, ‘The King’ opens with a lofty, melodic choir, an intro that belies the song’s motives. Suddenly, sinister arpeggios interrupt the reverie, and the voices grow darkly serious. Deeply steeped in the confusion, grief, and rage of being Black in America, ‘The King’ pushes back against the tired adage, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” hissing, “What don ’t kill you almost killed you// What don’t fill you//pains you// drains you.”
The title track’s haunting, baroque pop is evidence enough for Anjimile’s thesis. Across the record’s 10 tracks, including the sombre “Father,” Anjimile draws inspiration from religion, Philip Glass, and his own lived experiences. He also enlists a number of special guests for the project, such as Justine Bowe, Brad Allen Williams, Sam Gendel, and Big Thief’s James Krivchenia.
“The most remarkable thing about “The King”, however, is that its synthesis of sound and vision makes it feel so thoroughly like a monumental record.”
– Paste (Album of the Week)
“Anjimile tells you to accept your suffering, not run away from it, lest your unattended wounds drag you into the abyss.” – Pitchfork (7.5/10)
“An innovative examination of distorted American life.” – Uncut (8/10)
“A record of cold, hard truths.” – Loud and Quiet (7/10)
“The inventive nature of Anjimile is really fascinating.” – NPR Music
released September 8th, 2023
The Fat Angel Sings 