Not sure if David Byrne and Glenn Donaldson coordinated their messaging, but it lines up nicely. Byrne has been telling audiences that “kindness is the most punk thing you can do right now,” while Donaldson titles his latest record Acknowledge Kindness. I’m on board with both. Whether they mean it politically or not, it lands in a world where so-called leaders treat kindness like a weakness instead of something to aim for.
The world can feel cold, which makes a new The Reds, Pinks & Purples record especially welcome. Even when it leans this heavy. To my ears, Acknowledge Kindness is a sad record, but not in a draining way. It’s reflective, a little worn, and quietly gorgeous. It won’t lift your mood, but it will make you feel something, and sometimes that’s the better deal. So grab a coffee, wrap up in a blanket, sit down, put on your headphones, and take it all in. Embrace the goosebumps, don’t hold in the wet eyes.
Donaldson has reportedly written over 200 songs in the past six years and yet continues to find new ways to impress.
Acknowledge Kindness is out now on CD and LP via Fire Records.