Review
The East London songstress kwn delivers a stunning showcase of vocal prowess and emotional honesty on "with all due respect," her latest 9-track offering that clocks in at a tight 25 minutes. This collection brims with the kind of authentic soul that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary, thanks to her seamless weaving of live instrumentation with modern production techniques. From the playful yet defiant opener "bite me INTRO" to the raw vulnerability of "war to be over," kwn demonstrates a remarkable ability to shift between moods while maintaining her distinctive artistic voice. Her collaborations with Kehlani on the sultry "worst behaviour" and FLO on the empowering "talk you through it" elevate the project's energy and showcase her natural chemistry with fellow R&B innovators.
What strikes you most about this release is kwn's unwavering confidence and refusal to play small—every track radiates with the kind of self-assured energy that announces a major talent claiming her rightful place in the scene. Her honest lyricism cuts through the polished production, creating moments that feel like intimate conversations wrapped in gorgeous melodies. The album's warm, organic feel stems from kwn's commitment to authentic expression, whether she's serving up assertive anthems or baring her soul on the more vulnerable cuts. "with all due respect" stands as both a personal declaration and a bold statement of artistic intent, positioning kwn as a vital voice in Britain's thriving R&B renaissance. - Lena
