For ‘Otherness,’ Kindness’ Adam Bainbridge surrounded himself with fellow artists, co-writing and recording in cities around the world. Featured guests include Robyn, Kelela, Ghanaian rapper M.anifest and Devonté Hynes (Blood Orange et al), a long-time friend whose 2013 breakthrough ’Cupid Deluxe’ included contributions from Bainbridge. ‘Otherness’ is Adam’s vision, but it’s a collective vision. On the album’s opening track, ‘World Restart’, Bainbridge’s vocals remain in the backing chorus. Kelela and Ade sing the lead parts. The song rides the sort of lithe and loose horns (by Finn Peters) you might hear on a Fela Kuti record, but they’re tethered to a fat boogie bassline and Bainbridge’s own rich percussive clatter. The album’s first single, ‘This Is Not About Us’, allows a circular, sticky piano figure played by Bainbridge to slowly melt into this gorgeous choral haze. ‘Who Do You Love?’, written and sung by Bainbridge and Swedish pop star Robyn, embodies one of Otherness’ most rare and desirable qualities, that of surprise. Melodies and signatures arrive and settle and then shift inexorably as instruments drop in and out.

Vinyl LP includes a free CD insert.