FKA twigs - LP1

She’s danced in videos for Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran. But these days FKA twigs, born Tahliah Barnett in Gloucester, England, is dancing for no one but herself. The 26-year-old stepped out on her own last year with two extended play recordings, titled simply EP1 and EP2, that drew critical acclaim for their distinctive electropop sound. Now Barnett has released her first album. And while it’s also generically titled, there’s nothing generic about LP1. As a singer-songwriter, Barnett breaks all pop conventions, favoring mysterious moods over melodic hooks and fresh rhythms over predictable beats. Her soulful voice is startlingly sensuous, cooing breathlessly on songs about sex, love and trust. “I quench that thirst,” she sings on the throbbing “Two Weeks,” and asks “was I just a number to you?” on the clanging, tinkling “Numbers.” On “Video Girl,” she expresses her distaste for being recognized for her association with other artists. With her own star on the rise, Barnett doesn’t have that problem to worry about any more.