new avatar
Kelela's new avatar holds together across twelve songs, with its collaborations fitting convincingly into a cohesive album.
Released by Warp Records on 10 July 2026, new avatar opens with idea 1 and closes with if we meet again. Across the twelve-song sequence, the arrangements and vocal material work well together, giving the album a consistent sense of purpose.
The collaborations belong within that larger shape. A. K. Paul appears on outta time, Fousheé on new life forms and PinkPantheress on the bridge. The passages into and out of these songs work successfully, keeping the running order connected.
The relationship between vocal phrasing and arrangement is also well judged. It contributes to the coherence of a record that includes point blank, crystalize and retaliation lullaby alongside its collaborations. The songs make sense as parts of a complete album.
if we meet again supplies a satisfying resolution. The sequence arrives at its ending with its cohesion intact, and that is the strongest basis for a favourable judgement. new avatar works as a composed whole, with its collaborations and individual songs supporting the same overall direction.