With the news of the United States Supreme Court, shockingly, overturning “Roe vs Wade” and removing human rights Kate Brunotts newest album “Womb” comes out at a perfect time. It is unfortunate to say this though as disallowing human women the freedom to choose what they can do with their own bodies breaks this condiment’s bottle. “Womb” by Kate Brunotts can be the catalyst for further conversation and protest against the injustices currently going on throughout the United States of America.
The album opens up with “Bleed” which is apropos. Brunotts makes an unsettling statement that reflects the mindset of those on the Supreme Court: “But if you leash me, I’ll stay” along with “you get to throw the cards as they fall.” Remaining obedient and accepting these restrictions though is something Brunotts will not do. Bleed is Brunotts thesis, mission statement that will run throughout the rest of the album. Following bleed is the dreamy and hypnotic “I can’t help but adore you” which highlights the manipulative nature of some human relationships. The song feels like a dream. Mustard feels like this was intentional as the one who cannot help but adore Kate is left in a trance. But is it sincere? Kate leaves the listener to wonder.
“Pure” elevates that dreamlike trance, one your unsure if you would like to continue to stay in or get out of. Brunott’s songwriting is subtle yet direct. Humans who consider themselves “pro-life” will probably miss the commentary that shapes this album. “Do You Want To Dance”, one of the singles released before the album, is an avant-garde hit that will make your human body want to groove with the excellent arrangement. In the introduction Kate is blunt: the economy is lying and children are dying. Despite this, Brunotts ask if we would like to dance. Mustard believes this is a commentary on our social media obsessed culture. Humans have become desensitized to horrible news which results in behavior of intentional ignorance.
“I’m hedonistic, baby” holds onto the signature Brunotts sound while mixing in elements of a Trent Reznor production. Simply put this song is an statement. Brunnots does not care what others think about their behavior, because, well, they are hedonistic baby. “Tenderly” provides one of the most thought-provoking lines throughout the entire album: ” a woman’s sacrifice is just an overlooked riot.” Kate continues to play up on the notion that women are not strong enough without a man’s help by saying “at the end of it all / I’m still so small.”
“Sandpaper” is your favorite lofi song chopped and screwed into an ethereal experience that will have you both relaxed and on edge. There is a verse that sticks out to Mustard in this song that further drives home Kate’s thesis on this album: “rip me apart and pull me together / If I’m not careful this might be forever.” Unfortunately, some humans thrive off controlling others. The Supreme Court decision is an example of that control. Humans like this do not care about the fact that this decision is wildly unpopular. In fact, the cruelty may be the point. Why some humans would purposely seek this out is beyond Mustard’s comprehension.
The rest of “Womb” has Mustard questioning the state of the world that humans live in. Humans live with information at their fingerprints. To verify whether or not a source is legitimate takes only a few seconds. There are some humans though who refuse to do this research and claim it to be fake. Mustard has observed that living in an delusional state is not beneficial. Information regarding abortions is readily available. Living in an echo-chamber is not healthy or recommended as it narrows your worldview.
“Womb” is an sure-fire album of the year contender and the one that we desperately need. Go out of your way to share this album with those you may know who may disagree. This album deserves to create conversations not only for its incredible production and lyricism but the topic throughout.
Music Shelf With Mustard 