Kwn's 'And All Pride Aside' EP is a sonic punch to the gut – a heart-wrenching exploration of vulnerability that shatters the R&B artist's tough-girl exterior. Released on June 26, 2026, through RCA Records, this game-changing project marks a seismic shift in Kwn's artistic direction, trading in the lusty themes of her earlier work for a more emotionally raw and deeply personal landscape.
The EP is a masterclass in atmospheric production, with 'All Fours' – featuring Destin Conrad – showcasing Kwn's ability to craft maximalist textures that'll leave you breathless. The track combines gothic piano elements with gospel-infused choral ad-libs and distinctive bit-crushed vocals, creating an immersive soundscape that's as visually striking as it is sonically stunning. But not every track lands with the same precision – some lyrical content veers towards shock value, such as on 'Til The Room Stink', which feels like a misstep in an otherwise cohesive collection.
The real magic happens when Kwn allows herself to be vulnerable, and 'Better On My Own' is where the EP reaches new heights. Here, she grapples with grief, abandoning her established R&B framework for a more pop-leaning storytelling style that's both diaristic and disarmingly honest. The lyrics are incisive, the melodies engaging, and her vocal delivery – with a hint of huskiness – perfectly complements the acoustic guitars and rumbling drums as she reflects on past relationships and personal growth.
The emotional zenith of 'And All Pride Aside' is reached with 'Heaven In Your Hand', a deeply personal track where Kwn confronts the loss of her late grandfather head-on. The raw honesty is almost unbearable, as she vocalises the pain of losing a key supporter amidst the pressures of her burgeoning career. This is no bravado – just unfiltered vulnerability reminiscent of 2024's 'Lord I’ve Tried'.
For years, Kwn was seen as a confident and seductive figure, using her sex appeal and self-assuredness as a shield. But with 'And All Pride Aside', we see the compelling tension between this established persona and the profound rawness she now explores. By letting us glimpse beneath the swagger, Kwn transforms her exploration of love and emotion into something richer, more complex, and ultimately more human – solidifying this EP as her most compelling work to date.