Katy B - On A Mission

This time last year, the only evidence of Katy B’s material (or Baby Katy as she was known then) was that which circulated around London’s underground club scene. One year on and this titled ‘queen of dubstep’ has released her debut album: On A Mission which positioned at number two in the charts, below her former BRIT school colleague, Adele. The question remains: is Katy B a fleeting artist whose success is due to the dominance of pop/dance/R & B within the charts, or does she truly deserve the title she has been credited with?

Her debut single, ‘Katy On A Mission’, similar to the bulk of her songs, lyrically portrays a ‘night on the town’. The nightclub images of ‘darkness’, ‘tune’ and ‘drink’ are mirrored with the swift and heavy bass line which provides the foundation for a mainstream club sound. This basis allows for her vocals to reign above. In a way, the melody becomes very addictive, even if you wish it not to. In this respect it possesses a similar reaction to ‘Perfect Stranger’. Likewise, this dance-like track remains ideal for a nightclub setting. The electronic element provided by the collaboration with Magnetic Man, and the contrasting tempo most probably positions the song on a DJ’s set list.

‘Movement’ retains a slightly distinctive sound in comparison with the other tracks. With characteristics of funk music and a smooth edge to the sound it allows for the natural quality of Katy’s voice to stand out, a quality overlooked in the remainder of songs due to the heavy accompaniment. On first hearing of ‘Witches Brew’, it instantly evokes a positive reaction which the other tracks struggle to achieve. The melody line can be appreciated for its creativity, and lyrically it is more effective as she sings about a ‘spell’ to use on her fantasy man. Lyrically, the association with romance remains a popular feature throughout her songs, especially in ‘Power On Me’. Within the electronic opening she repeatedly expresses “I could stay witchu for hours” which is followed by an improvised sounding middle eight.

Katy’s latest song, ‘Broken Record’ has very catchy vibes but with overplaying it can become slightly irritating with the ironic repetition of the lyric, ‘like a broken record’. With the funky drums and the aspects of drum and bass and house it will peak on a DJ’s playlist. However, without the nightclub setting it is hard to appreciate the song. Equally, the collaboration with Ms Dy-na-mi-tee in ‘Lights On’ becomes difficult to understand when not in a club setting.

Whilst it is difficult to describe On A Mission as revolutionary in the music world, her cross over from London’s underground to mainstream music cannot go a miss. There must be an edge in her material in order for that progression to occur. The key trait of the album is the fact that it cannot be classed into one genre; instead it expresses a variety of musical colours. For hardcore Katy B fans it is fair to say the album won’t disappoint; for everyone else it remains a ‘grower’.

Like it? Try Jessie J for a more relaxed feel.

★★★★☆

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.