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Michael Kiwanuka is a Mercury Prize-winning North London singer-songwriter renowned for his soulful blend of vintage folk, gospel, and cinematic classic soul. Having earned widespread critical acclaim and a devoted global audience through his landmark self-titled 2019 LP and 2024’s lush Small Changes, Kiwanuka has long been a standout favorite of our ours. For an artist known for his introspective songwriting and emotive voice, but one who has relied on longtime collaborators for production, Fudge marks a profound turning point in his discography: his first self-produced endeavor in 13 years, created alongside his trusted touring ensemble during a period of intense personal reflection and ongoing health rehabilitation.

Stepping away from the dreamlike soundscapes long forged alongside producers Inflo and Danger Mouse, Kiwanuka takes the helm for Fudge, alongside touring band members Joe Connell, arranger Rosie Danvers, and engineer Dom Monks. Developed parallel to the Small Changes sessions, this hour-long collection trades polished studio grandeur for a raw, naturalistic jam-band atmosphere.

Opening with a grainy vocal audio snippet of Chick Corea reflecting on the pursuit of beauty - who says "... whatever you think is beautiful, that's what's beautiful, see and you have to pursue that" - the record embraces tape hiss, abrupt takes, and front-mixed vocals to achieve an easy intimacy. Recalling 1970s soul pioneers like Bill Withers, Terry Callier, and Sly Stone, Kiwanuka delivers an array of melancholic, soulful downcast ballads such as "Summer Clothes," "Drowning In Your Heart," "Swings and Roundabouts," "Sing," and "Love In My Heart" showcase unmatched vulnerability, while dynamic pacing shifts on "Just Another Moment" and the infectious funk of "Stars" keep the journey grounded. 

Fudge is a deeply moving release to savour. We wish Michael a full and rapid recovery.