I first heard of Natasha Kmeto a while ago from a friend at Autonomous Records. Watched her 2011 video for "Party Girl" and downloaded some tracks. Initially, based on that video, I thought she was taking heavy bass EDM down the pop route. "The Ache" has changed my mind in a supremely satisfying way.
"The Ache" is filled with soulful storytelling, carried by Kmeto's voice which is equally powerful and subtle. Her nuanced tones emote honestly, and her lyrics are direct and personal. While many electronic artists create sounds and work frequencies that have deep impact, her songwriting and vocal presence gives the music a narrative sense, a human point of connection.
I've been listening to this on repeat all day. She fuses rap, song, heavy beats grooves and ambient moments so well, its one of the more soulful and complete projects I have encountered in a while. Do yourself a favor and cop it at the Dropping Gems Bandcamp today.