Icebreaker
Icebreaker album artwork via Diplomat Creative
Kimani Jackson may have started performing many years ago, but he is about to become a household name. Growing up, he was the youngest contestant to ever audition for BET's hit gospel singing competition “Sunday Best,” starred in commercials, and was signed by Wilhemina Kids of New York City. However, Jackson found virality after turning heads in the New York Subway. He sang covers of R&B classics for passengers, but now he has an EP of his own – Icebreaker.
In conjunction with Diplomat Creative, Jackson released Icebreaker on January 26th. Throughout the album, Jackson’s truly insane vocal power is the star. His skill alone would be enough to grab your attention, so all of the other elements are just icing on the cake. Something about the album feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Jackson marries older R&B staples with modern techno sounds and synths, keeping it interesting. Icebreaker details a personal journey for Jackson, one where he has to accept what no longer serves and reclaim his power. In the end, he knows he can rely on himself.
Icebreaker is earmarked by three tracks, “Let Me Out (Intro),” “Breakout (Interlude),” and “Never Freeze Again (Outro).” These three tracks paint an existential picture, while the other tracks tell a more intimate story. “Let Me Out (Intro)” greets the listener with whirling winds, and a heavy reverb on the vocals. He pleads “let me out” and “I’m freezing” over and over, echoing. He’s trapped, all alone in a vast yet empty landscape. But as the track closes, heavy droplets hit the ground – the cage is melting. A final shout punctuates the track, carrying over into the beginning of “Icebreaker (Breathing).” Shouts and rhythmic breaths lay below the melody. Layers of harmonies build tension, while R&B beats and swirling synth bring an element of mystery. Jackson has been reborn, learning to catch his breath, and breaking through the metaphorical chains holding him back.
The next chapter of Icebreaker brings romance with “Company.” Crooning vocals melt over deep tones and rhythmic claps. The harmonies are raspier than before, bringing a new level of intimacy. For a love song, it almost feels like the love is too much, threatening to overwhelm him. But a piano melody pierces through, bringing him back to reality. Jackson bares his heart further with the next track, “I Need Yah.” The beat is groovy, like an 80’s funk track, but the use of an intergalactic synth sends us flying through another dimension. Harmonies are luxuriously layered, rising up from the ground like steam. Despite a potentially heartbroken lyrical message, a quick beat pairs with a squiggling synth to keep the mood light. A piano adds drama with rising licks, and glittery chimes twinkle through. As the track breaks down, a classic rock guitar line swallows it whole.
The album’s second existential track, “Breakout (Interlude)” symbolizes Jackson’s introspection. Jackson asks, “why do you allow yourself to stay frozen?” repeatedly, echoing over the instrumentals, then switches it up, commanding himself to “breakout.” Ethereal whistles blow through, and a gritty techno static rumbles underneath. Jackson’s foundation is crumbling, he has to make moves. The following track, “Good Man,” builds on the shifting ground, pivoting from an ethereal space to reality. Clear piano notes and melancholy violins ring out, while a resounding bass fills any empty space. Once the drum kit kicks in, the track becomes a theatrical anthem. Lyrically, Jackson’s reclaiming his power, vocalizing his worth. The violins soar in the background, emphasizing his affirmations. He just has to trust in God and the process, the rest will unfold in time.
With his newfound power, Jackson winds down the album with the penultimate “You Make Me (I Really Do).” Unlike the yearning in “Company” or “I Need Yah,” Jackson is taking dominant role in his relationship. There’s a physical element to the romance now and a shift of control. His vocal lines crescendo and add some exciting tension. The synths twinkle and squiggle while a laidback bass brings a sultry vibe. Jackson’s reaffirmed in himself and is ready to take the lead. Icebreaker is brought to a close by the final overarching track, “Never Freeze Again (Outro).” The whirling winds from “Let Me Out (Intro)” return, but with a magical twist. It’s no longer cold and lonely, instead the wind has created a whistling melody. Vocally, Jackson still uses heavy reverb to create an echo, but the harmonies are much warmer, reminding him that he is finally free. His rebirth is complete, and it’s time to turn the page.
Kimani Jackson is undoubtedly someone to watch. He is a hidden gem, and I cannot wait to see where he goes next.
