Kylie Auldist - Just Say (2008)

“Just Say” is Kylie Auldist’s highly anticipated debut solo album on Tru Thoughts, and the sound of Summer 2008.

Kylie Auldist’s fresh, powerful and soulful style has already attracted comparisons with some of the best soul and funk singers in the world, including Nicole Willis and Sharon Jones. Having provided guest vocals on previous releases by fellow Australian kings of funk The Bamboos (including their latest single “I Don’t Wanna Stop”) Kylie has already seen the plaudits flooding in from the likes of Domu (BBC Radio 1Xtra), Snowboy and DJ Nova. And, despite not being officially out yet, her debut single “Community Service Announcement” has already gained fantastic reactions from Mark Lamarr and Parker (XFM) and extensive airplay including on BBC 6Music and Solar Radio.

With masterful production by Tru Thoughts label-mate Lance Ferguson (Lanu / The Bamboos) and ultra-tight instrumental backing from The Bamboos, this album is a masterclass in pure, sweet soul, red-hot funk and every sonic stop in between, showcasing the power and versatility of Kylie’s voice and songwriting. The cover of Jeff Buckley’s “Everybody Here Wants You” adds to this depth and variety. An intense slice of deep, atmospheric soul, in this version Kylie’s voice is packed with longing and smoky blues and complemented by the Bamboos’ horn section, taking a break from the staccato hooks and pouring on a generous layer of soulful harmony. The album then segues into “Cut You Loose” which is, in Kylie’s own words, “A bread and butter funk song! Very back to basics – what makes it great is the rhythms and the timing.” Too right – this track shows off the fiery side to Kylie’s songwriting, and the punchy intro gets straight in there, grabs you by the lapels and pulls you to your feet. This track doesn’t let go until it ends – in the way that all great funk should – abruptly and leaving you wanting more. “Make Me Want More” on the other end of the emotional spectrum, is a powerful ballad, and a personal ode to her man.

Kylie Auldist possesses an undeniable and distinctive natural vocal talent and has been singing from the moment she could talk. She performed for years with a variety of funk bands in Melbourne and played stacks of gigs, festivals and also TV appearances. She then joined The Bamboos, touring Australia and landing on the fair shores of Brighton, UK, in 2007, where Tru Thoughts – having already heard her beautifully soulful delivery on The Bamboos’ acclaimed album ‘Rawville’ – finally snapped her up after witnessing her spectacular and charismatic live performance.

“Just Say” is an album full of finds – sprinkled with Kylie’s characteristically uplifting, sun-soaked vibe, and boasting backing vocals that feel like a blissful breeze, catchy, funky brass hooks and dance-the-night-away percussion – which is guaranteed to have you donning your flip-flops and rhythmically stoking up the barbie by track two.