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Tagged as “progressive soul” on Soundcloud, Saturn Return by AB & 14KT merges into the ears with intro track titled “Today’s Love”. The sonics are euphoric, longing. Ab’s vocals echo: “Don’t you act like you don’t know me”. There’s a bass guitar on it that strums you to the notion that you’re about to feel something about love. And as “Lover’s Galaxy” drops on an off beat-on beat type R&B funk style tune, I certainly did.
Knowing nothing about Cleveland native Ab prior to this review assignment for Grindin’, I find this man’s vocals D’Angelo-esque but also evocative of old school Motown and classic R&B at times.
When “Can I Be Your Lover” comes on there’s joy in it. The beat has bounce and there’s that sense of excitement you get when you’ve found someone to love. Considering this release took five years for the duo, amongst other projects, the narrative told about relationships here, for me personally, is reassuringly reflective and honest.
Okayplayer quoted Ab saying Saturn Return is, “The exploration of each other that leads to trouble because when you’re trying to grow with someone you have to face yourself and everyone doesn’t want to do that because it’s painful. Ab and Lalah’s relationships present that familiar place we’ve all been in”.
Lalah is the cameo female presence on “Saturn Return”. Her character metaphorically appears in the body of singer Shelley Barnes on “Sweat Pants & My Cardigan”. By the time she appears though, funnily enough, things are already beginning to go wrong for Ab and Lalah. As the track plays, piano keys drum like an old grandfather clock striking 12. This song is the moment of truth in all the pleasure and Ab’s Lalah is bored.
He sings back: “I’ve been here before. Trapped inside a heart, searching for a door, what’s the cure? Immature is the way that she acts in my eyes. When it comes to the meaning of loving someone, she lies.”
The beat drops: “Tell me was it fun to watch me fall apart? You seem to get your kicks from stepping on my heart.”
Cafeastology.com says: “In astrology, Saturn is associated with restriction and limitation. Where Jupiter expands, Saturn constricts. Although the themes of Saturn seem depressing, Saturn brings structure and meaning to our world. Saturn knows the limits of time and matter. Saturn reminds us of our boundaries, our responsibilities, and our commitments. It brings definition to our lives. Saturn makes us aware of the need for self-control and of boundaries and our limits.” Though I don’t have it on authority that this has anything to do with the album. Common sense would suggest so.
“Hey it’s me, I’ve been thinking a lot about us lately and um, I’m just not sure if this whole thing is going to work.” A phone call from Lalah on Ab’s answering machine is how “Sweat Pants And Cardigan” ends.
The whole album though, from start to finish is progressive but walks the fine and perfect balance between classic and new.
“Heavenly” sets a scene of slow dancing with bare feet on cold, dark mahogany wood; while you hold that person you think of when you put your head on the pillow at night. Depending on what part of the world you are in this Xmas, this song evokes ideas of either fire crackling and snow outside; or sweaty bare skin covered by a purple and yellow ie lavalava only. As one rocks from left to right in a sleepy euphoric motion “Heavenly” is the part of the story that wraps you up and holds you for as long as fantasy will allow…before shit gets too real and the fairy tale you hope you can control turns to sand in your hands.
14KT’s production on this gives R&B panache and what’s impressive is his control with samples; the same way a lyricist uses words is how 14 makes beats. He brings you to a climax when he wants to, has you smiling if you’re following the narrative; puts you into the aura of that frustrating tedious-longing once the story reaches the track, “Forget Who I Am”. And then he rolls you outside the parameters of doubt and deterrence about a lover, with the realization you actually want this person after all on “Saturn Return”.
“Message To My Unknown Love” asks, “I was wondering what you were doing for eternity?” Because in the end the heart wants what the heart wants.
If you love love, you will love this. And if you’re done with love, you’ll still love this for how real and honest it is. If you just like good production, it is also for you.
You can buy “Saturn Return” for only $5 from www.saturnreturnalbum.com/buy/saturn-return-album-digital-download