Reborn (studio album) by Kavinsky

When Kavinsky last dropped an album, Synthwave was a young, vibrant genre. In his interregnum, the genre grew with new artists that innovated and expanded the sound before tottering off into different styles or retirement. He has returned to a genre that is both stagnated and alien to his presence. Could Kavinsky drop an album that reinstates his dominance in a post-Perturbator world? Simply put, no.

“Reborn “feels indebted to The Weeknd’s most recent albums. The majority of tracks are slow moving Electronic R&B. Their middling nature prevents either the building of the atmosphere or more energy flow. This is not helped by the unexciting vocal performances. Even with the mediocre lyricism, the singers are clearly the weak link.

“Reborn” is by no means without pleasure. The production is fairly crisp and compelling. Each instrument feels well placed and never oversteps another. The synths always cut through with effective force. “Pulsar” is a lovely atmospheric start to the record. Despite the positives, the beached center of the album really makes it more of a return than a proper rebirth.