Artist: Kick Bong
Title:
Mission to Audition
Label:
Cosmicleaf
Released:
31st January
Having
listened to Francks music for many years now I’ve always felt he
had a slightly unique slant to his productions. From the earlier
psy-chill production that transcended into the electronica he
produces today. This album (for me at least) symbolises the Kick Bong
sound, where melody is paramount yet sometimes is juxtaposed against
darker basslines and atmospheres. Quite possibly his best work to
date.
The
album gets underway with ‘A New Beginning’ where after a dark
atmospheric start melodic chimes and indistinct voices drag you into
the light. Whereas ‘Happy Baby’ has a more of a retro Detroit
feel to it with a nice chilled break in the latter section. The intro
on ‘All I Need’ is quite unique with field recording seagulls and
a chilled atmosphere that works in somewhat of a crescendo when the
bassline kicks in. Add vocal snippets that wouldn’t go amiss in a
house or deep dub-step tune, and some stereo-typical synth loops by
this point the album is drawing my attention.
Again
I can draw comparison to the retro techno vibe on ‘All of Me’
alongside the stereotypical rave vocal hooks the tracks slowly
descends and ascends as it progresses and it’s another good number.
There’s a bit more grit to the bassline with ‘Happiness is Easy’
juxtaposed against melodic looped synths and the vibe that’s been
built in the album so far is maintained. The intro on ‘I knew I
Could Fly’ begins with laid back guitar but is soon joined by
harsher electronic fuzz and melodic keys that carry you along.
By
this point we are at the title track and this piece in some respects
reminds me of early ambient dub at it’s best. However, the growling
stabbing bassline gives it some extra push. Whilst ‘Chilly Wind’
is perhaps more laid back there’s also a plodding squelch amongst
the guitar, mellow pads and harmonious voices all in all a lovely
piece. The grand finale to the album is the extended re-mix of his
recent single ‘Take Me Away’ and it couldn’t be more fitting.
Reviewed
by Woodzee.
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