Fall In Rhythm: Karun - Catch A Vibe
source: Yummy Magazine
A lot of water under the bridge has passed since Karun’s days at BET nominated group Camp Mulla, including motherhood and a reimagination of her sound. Her creative rebirth has been of benefit to Karun, and to her fans, preaching patience and self-belief over soulful vocals and the pleasant textures of R&B that rejuvenate.
Catch A Vibe is Karun’s first project since 2013, and is a strong reminder of the talent the Kenyan artist possesses. Exuding a sound that is both sultry and sanguine in its essence, the EP carries a strong theme of self-discovery amongst a tone that seeks to reassure. Without doubt, at points, Karun likely rode a storm of inner turmoil questioning the possibility of quitting music for good. Perhaps these thoughts reached their pinnacle Karun’s angelic “Paths” that features the Kenyan artist in frank discussion with her inner self, “going down this empty road, like no one’s been there before, searching for a blueprint, something. Don’t you worry”. One of the sacrificial aspects of a path chosen for you is that it can be lonesome, often it is difficult to find many who have walked the same road and therefore seeking advice can prove futile. Karun encourages you not to worry, and life has a funny way of working itself out. Alongside Botswanan singer Mpho Sebina, “Paths” adopts a cadence gentle in its core, intriguingly eliciting peace of mind in an area of uncertainty that would usually leave most unsettled through fear of failure.
Catch A Vibe quickly begins to emanate the radiant backdrop to Karun’s journey to alternate her perspective of the world and situations in ways that exude optimism. A strong sense of maturity ensures Catch A Vibe eclipses Karun’s previous work, notably “Here With Me” is rich in introspection as a relationship comes to end, yet solace is found between Karun and a love interest, with the avoidance of a bitter parting of ways. Karun says “In fact I loved you, you loved me. We played our parts and we can sail away” ensuring there is no lament in the end of the relationship, but rather basking in nostalgia and a shared happiness that they were once together interwoven with blissful guitar chords.
The penultimate offering “I Know ft Le Mav” is perhaps the greatest indication as to what Catch A Vibe represents for Karun. “I’ve been on the open road, I’ve been out the door. They say what is meant for you will find ya”, presenting the relatable, and forthright question of life’s occupation and subsequent conundrum of it sitting in harmony with life’s purpose. We’ve all sat and questioned whether we are on the right path, or whether we’re simply a spare bit of parchment floating on a stream, drifting. In a sound bordering the ethereal, Karun sits with us, and encourages patience given she has been through a similar journey and come out clean on the other side.
Karun also brings aboard fellow Kenyan’s Kahu$h (“Just Friends”) and Xenia Mannaseh (“Grind”) continuing to shine light on their music scene. Embedded in tender vocals bares the kind of introspection that leaves the listeners asking the very same questions about their path, in the end providing a sense of calm. Catch A Vibe does not alienate and is indeed a triumph against uncertainty with an unquestionable vulnerability that ultimately lies in bravery, taking on the beast head on without relent. It embodies a sound that knows what it is like to stare into the mirror at a figure you scarcely recognise, and feel a haunting sense of imposter syndrome. In truth, the EP is a source of inspiration and mediation with a message that true glory is first found in self-love and self-work, and is Karun’s best work to date.
Ian Opolot