Giver Taker [CD]

On Giver Taker, the gorgeous debut album by Anjimile, death and life are always entwined, wrapping around each other in a dance of reverence, reciprocity, and, ultimately, rebirth. Written by Anjimile Chithambo (he/him, they/them), in collaboration with bandmate Justine Bowe of Photocomfort and New-York based artist/producer Gabe Goodman, the album grapples with sobriety; reconciling trans identity, spirituality, and religious upbringing; and forging gracious new futures that honor complex histories. Giver Taker's evocative pastoral ballads, warm pop songs, and epic choirs owe their heritage to influences ranging from Sufjan Stevens, Madonna, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and The Lion King, all reshaped in Anjimile's vision to invite listeners into the album's vulnerable, generous worlds.