Kick Bong 'Zeltitude' Review

 

Artist:

Kick Bong

Title:

Zeltitude

Label:

Cosmicleaf Records

Released:

1^st December 2020

From a glance this latest release from Parisian Kick Bong appears to reflect the emotions felt through this period of lockdowns and isolation. The opening track ‘We Will Survive’ paints contrasts of light and dark and when the beat kicks in, in the later third of the piece it explodes into life. ‘Strange Days’ begins in a melodic fashion reminiscent of the steel pan sound, and there’s no rush to apply the four-by-four with this track either. However, when he does it’s pulls together into an impressive melodic techno track. The mood gets darker and more atmospheric with ‘Let Me Fly’ providing a sense of winding up, and those little melodic flutters and guitar licks reaching for the desired release.

There’s a lovely balance of heavenly synths, circling loops and French spoken word that sits this track ‘Tu me Manques’ somewhere between 90’s progressive techno and the 80’s synth pioneers Visage. The title track begins dark and gritty with melodic bleeps running across. It morphs along route, throwing in some Cure like guitar riffs and the result is another wonderful piece. Whilst ‘Happy Inside’ is a bit of a plodder it runs the gauntlet of atmospheres and sounds you find through out the album. The pace slows down more on ‘The Calling’ where angelic voices and ambient tones drift in and out of atmospheric passages. Which leads nicely into the final track ‘Waiting Better’ a chilled piece of electronica with flutters of drums and flute like synths and chimes.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/zelitude

Kick Bong & FMW 'The Last Tree' Review

Artist: Kick Bong & FMW

Title: The Last Tree

Label: Cosmicleaf

Released: 23^rd April

This E.P. is the result of a project between Frank Jousselin and Florent Marcheix Merli, 30 years after they were in a rock band together. The duo create a dark fusion that incorporates rock and electro, two areas were they share a common music taste.

The release commences with ‘Through Mist’ where post-rock guitar sits above mellow tones and juxtaposes with darker synth breaks. Somewhat harping back to the Goth sound of the 80’s which is clearly an influence.

The electro bassline is more pre-dominantly featured on ‘The Last Tree’ along with the rolling synth loops. However, the overall feel of 80’s Goth influence within the piece remains the same as it’s predecessor, although with more of a recognisable Kick Bong flavour.

There’s a touch of the east with the strings sounds utilised on ‘Babylon’s Garden’, nothing that overpowers the piece just a nod in that direction. The main body of the piece comprises melodic bell like tones with a darker bassline running underneath.

The intro on ‘Immanence’ is dark and atmospheric before melodic synths drift you towards piano then guitar. None of the tracks on the E.P. have much pace to them but this one in particular is more sedate. Leaning more towards chill out than rock in comparison.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/the-last-tree

Kick Bong 'Mission to Audition' Review

Artist: Kick Bong

Title: Mission to Audition

Label: Cosmicleaf

Released: 31^st 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.

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/mission-to-audition

Kick Bong 'Take Me Away'

Artist: Kick Bong

Title: Take Me Away

Label: Cosmicleaf

Released: 20^th Nov 

This latest single from Paris based multi-instrumentalist Franck Jousselin A.K.A. Kick Bong commences with a deep rumbling synthbass, before lighter synth voices rise through the sound. The track then settles into a groovy downtempo piece of electronica with subtle melodic vocals float away from the accompanying synth. Whilst the tail end of the piece adds a bit more squelchy grit to see us out.

The flip side ‘Lost in Time’ isn’t a million miles away from the A-Side to say the least, although there are looped sequences that catch your attention and drag your mind along the track. It’s also a piece that in many respects reminds me of tunes from yesteryear but retains a modern touch.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/take-me-away

Triptone 'Around Me Remixes E.P.' Review

Artist: Triptone

Title: Around Me Remixes E.P.

Label: Cosmicleaf Records

Released: 4^th November 2019

Triptone is Franck Jousselin’s (better known as Kick Bong) trip-hop side project. This re-mix places focus on the collaboration with SR ‘Around Me’, which featured on the album ‘My Life’ released in April this year.

First up on remix duties is Tunisian Obsqure. Who creates a perfect balance of eastern flutes and electronica which lovingly cushion the vocal and provides a cinematic feel to the piece.

Next up is label head honcho Sideliner whose approach is far more of a plodding four by four downtempo techno affair. It’s an interesting enough alternative but doesn’t work as well for me as Obsqure’s take.

To complete the E.P. Franck dons the Kick Bong thinking cap. Here the vocal takes centre stage for the intro slowly trickling in the melodic keys and it takes a while before the bassline is employed. As with the Sideliner re-mix it’s interesting enough but didn’t work quite as well for me as Obsqure’s take.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/around-me-remixes

Kick Bong 'Watch The Mirror E.P.' Review

Artist: Kick Bong

Title: Watch The Mirror E.P.

Label: Cosmicleaf Records

Released: 15^th May 2019

The lastest E.P. from Parisian producer Franck Jousellin ‘Watch The Mirror’ is a further exploration of electronica that at times touches upon melodic techno and trance, but is always juxtaposed with more chilled atmospheres and a downtempo underbelly. Which over the last few years has become a sound he has continued to perfect.

First up is the title track which begins in a dark brooding manner with electronic beeps and a plodding kick drum in a techno fashion. The looping bleeps are joined by sweeping melodic synths that build somewhat and eventually drop, whilst the last section hits a bit harder and includes some dubbed out spoken word samples.

Next on the agenda is ‘The Sky Light’ which again begins in a melancholic brooding manner but with a touch more pace than it’s predecessor. The dark fx and bass notes are perfectly counterbalanced with the lighter melodic tones and I’m really sold with this track.

Last but not least is ‘I Love It’ and keeping in fashion to the rest of the E.P. it begins with dark growling synths and bass notes before the lighter melodic synths and loops are employed. For me this is reminiscent of early 90’s techno and as the track develops it only strengthens that feeling for me. Once again I’m sold or you could say ‘I Love It’.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://cosmicleaf.bandcamp.com/album/watch-the-mirror

Kick Bong/Kaya Project 'Remixes' Review

Artist: 

Kick Bong/Kaya Project

Title: 

Re-Mixes

Released: 

21^st January 2019

It’s no secret that I’m a massive fan of the Kaya Project, over the years I’ve found with many artists by the time they reach their third album quite often they change in a direction that differs from my own or they stagnate with a sound I’ve tired of. The Kaya Project are not only an exception to the rule, but to use an expression of a beverage that doesn’t appeal to me ‘like a fine they’ve improved with age’. Admittedly you could say they’ve milked the re-mixes, but then with so many contributing artists they have a living to make. However, the selection of re-mixers onboard have always produced quality versions that work for the dancefloor dj’s. One of these re-mixers Kick Bong a multi-instrumentalist and percussionist in his own right has himself featured in this blog over the years and is a welcome inclusion.

Moving on to the release itself it’s a single featuring a Kaya Project re-mix of Kick Bong’s ‘This Charming Violin’ and Kick Bong re-mixes of the Kaya Project’s ‘Taki Ura Matts’ and ‘Katarino’. So tackling them in order The original ‘This Charming Violin’ already held somewhat of a melacholic gypsy feel with a psy-chill underbelly. The Kaya Project re-mix intensifies the gypsy elements and adds plenty of alluring vocal harmonies to the piece.

The original version of ‘Taki Ura Matts’ from the ‘Up from the Dust’ album was a groovy piece of world music with flutes, violins and vocals that drew on Arabic and Klezmer flavours. Kick Bong’s take elongates the intro, utilising the flute licks and strings in a teasing fashion for those who are familiar with the original offering an interesting and alternative version of a similar pace.

The original version of ‘Katarino’ from the Firedance album was a pleasant piece of arabic fused chillout, that featured the amazing vocal talent of Irina Mikhailova. Kick Bongs take brings in the melodic sound of the hang drum and some melodic synths, that complement Irina’s vocals perfectly and accomplishes an even more chilled atmosphere.

To summarise those who have already brought the recent Kaya Project re-mixes will already have tracks two and three, so may just plug for listening to track one. While those unfamiliar it’s a great intro into their sound which deserves you delving deeper.

Review by Woodzee

Links

https://kickbong.bandcamp.com/album/kick-bong-kaya-project-remixes

Kick Bong 'Destiny' Review

Artist: Kick Bong

Title: Destiny

Label: Cosmic Leaf

Released: 1^st Sept

Parisian Franck Jousselin A.K.A. Kick Bong returns with a new collection of tracks stamped with his own unique style of electronica that touches the psychedelic, the ethnic, trip-hop and guitar influences apparent from the Cure.

The album starts with ‘Time In Suspense’ where an atmospheric intro leads into bird song followed by hang drum and flute eventually joined by organic sounding cymbal crashes and synth’s creating a chilled aura that envelops you by the end of the piece.

The album continues with slow paced trip-hop beats and mellow synths with intricate layers and melodic passages until ‘I Was Asleep’ which picks the pace up somewhat with some great sounding synth voices before a melodic piano breakdown is joined by Cure’esque guitar and the pace returns. All in all it’s a wonderful piece that’s grabbed my interest.

The album moves forward in a similar fashion to the previous tracks with perhaps some darker touches. While the title track begins with some French spoken word before easing into atmospheric synths, flute and guitar fingering. This leads into the closing track ‘Whirlwind’ which despite it’s title is still slow-paced to start, a dark 80’s sounding synth background leads into bleepy sequences and then the drums add a little pace and the gated synth sequences get a little more aggressive.

Overall the general feel of the album has a synthwave feel to it with lots of extra little touches and chilled breakdowns as previously mentioned there’s a couple of tracks that stand out where the pace lifts a little. Fans of his previous albums will appreciate the general sound but don’t expect any of the four by four accompanying beats that have featured on recent releases.

Reviewed by Woodzee.

Links

http://www.cosmicleaf.com/en/products.php?action=view&cat=110&id=679

Terra Nine vs Squazoid 'Karuna E.P.' Review

Artist: Terra Nine 

vs Squazoid

Title: Karuna E.P.

Label: Altar Records

Released: 13^th June

A collaboration that almost spans to the opposite side of the globe. Auckland based Mike Westcott electric voila fused ambient trance joins forces with Parisian global psy-chill producer Jeremy Bringué. The seed of this track was planted after an impromptu jam at a party in Jeremy's studio in 2013 where Mike played a few notes on the voila which grew into a few more and the basis of the piece was born add some bass, cello and more strings and they had found a piece that emotionally moved them to tears. They played the piece to some select artists who were interested in re-mixing the track and this is the long awaited result.

The E.P. begins with the original piece with an orchestral intro of hauntingly beautiful strings, while the electronics slowly and delicately gain volume and harmonic voices are added. Although they have their moments to shine they never overpower the orchestral spine of the piece.

Moving onto the re-mixes not surprisingly the first contender is Pete Ardron who often employs a classical underbelly in his own productions. In places his input is subtle with a little added ethnic percussion and at others he takes it up a notch some housey piano, wonderful key loops and panned reverb. The result is a lovely enhancement on an already heavenly piece.

The E.P. moves on with fellow Parisian Franck Jousselin (Kick Bong) who unexpectedly adds guitar to the strings and in places his own synth flavours that rest above the underlying sounds of the original but never entirely block it out. An interesting alternative that I wouldn't dismiss.

Unknown Reality (who previously were unknown to me) add a progressive trance vibe to the piece but maintain a strong orchestral emotion with their version. Once again I'm impressed with the result you can really fly into a dream with this one.

Next to imprint their take on the track is Terra Nine's label mate Astropilot who shifts the emphasis to the dancefloor with a rolling underbelly of a bassline, while still maintaining the heavenly voices and strings as you would come to expect with his own productions.

Another new face (or new sound even) for me is Cloower Wooma who utilise all the elements of the original strings and harmonic voices fooling me to believe this would be an atmospheric ambient take, where infact it they employ an elongated intro before stamping down the bassline.

Finally seeing out the E.P. is Suduaya who adds some dreamy piano and reverb to the voices with this blissful adaptation the term sofa sinking couldn't be more apt in this case. An absolutely superb slice of chill out.

Some may argue that 7 versions of one track is a bit too much. But in cases like this when you have such a lovely piece of music and a pallette of sounds from artists who know how to draw on the emotion and at times enhance aspects of it. I for one am glad there is.

Review by Woodzee

Links

https://soundcloud.com/terranine

http://www.squazoid.com/

http://www.altar-records.com/

Kick Bong 'The Lost Valley' Review

Artist: Kick Bong

Title: The Lost Valley

Label: Cosmicleaf

Released: 20^th April

I've always felt Franck Jousselin has followed his own path musically. Even with his earlier releases although there were strong elements of psy-chill and dub he had a slightly different edge as well as playing the percussion, bass, keyboards and synths on his releases. I've said it before and I'll say it again I remember a set he did for Fluid Radio a good number of years back where he played re-mixes of the Cure and Depeche Mode amongst dubby psy-chill. At that point I'd never really come across anyone brave enough to fuse the two. But then he did start his musical career as a member of the French new-wave/pop act Romy et les Gateaux secs.

Although his style isn't to everyone's taste (I've heard a few die-hard psy-chill and psy-dub heads mention it isn't) I feel he's moved away from that sound album by album admittedly jumping back on certain tracks. On this album however I would pigeon-hole it more as a collection of down-tempo chilled electronica and mid-tempo not too dis-similar to nu-disco (and by that I don't mean the cheesy sounding tracks with a house beat or the harder edged acid-chug).

I'd also advise getting past the first few tracks to really appreciate this release. The opener 'Walk my Way' is a melodic piece of chill with some nice strings and chimes followed by 'Clip Clap' a slo-mo nu-disco sounding no with some beautifully melodic synth sounds. The fourth track of the album 'Dancing on the Dust' is an absolute corker that's difficult to pigeon hole there's elements of nu-disco, a driving beat and some excellent psychedelic twists. From this pinnacle the album descends slowly track by track and just when you think you're moving back to old ground with Ludivine Dubos flute in 'The Pursuit' Franck drops a funky riff on the bass re-affirming what a quality album it is.

Reviewed by Woodzee.

Links

http://www.kickbong.com/

http://www.cosmicleaf.com/en/

Kick Bong "A Waking Dream" Review

Artist: Kick Bong

Title: A Waking Dream

Label: Cosmicleaf

Released: 10^th March 2014

What I've always liked about Franck's releases is there always a little different and this release moves even further afield from the Psy-Chill of earlier releases than the more recent. The title and artwork of white deers in a misty winter setting conjure a feeling of soft ambience. The music on the other hand although reflecting this is also balanced with a bouncier feel and darker edges.

The opening track “The Beginning” starts in a field recording manner with a gentle running stream and gentle keys, but is soon joined by deep bass chords and a twitchy IDM beat. However, it doesn't stop there halfway through it shifts gear and sets a tone for the album in the sense there's a lot happening in the track, yet , at no point seems out of place i.e. an almost but not quite industrial techno loop is injected overlapped by a peaceful flute.

This trend of bouncy ambience continues with some nice vocal samples in “Smooth” while “Happy Faces” contrasts deep atmospheric synths with builds that border on house and the production starts to bear some resemblance to Bluetech. The next track “Electric City” is reminsicent in places of Vangelis and Cybotron giving a more spacey feel to the album and the sense that you're travelling to conciousness.

The next few tracks drop the tempo as if you're drifting back into the dream. The title track for example is a lovely guitar affair extremely reminiscent of the Cure. While “I'm Still Sleeping” starts with a vocal sample I could easily imagine in Bazoo Bajou's “Keep Going” while the drums are more reminiscent of the Cure's “The Empty World” with a synthetic marching band feel interjecting the ambient sounds. Again there's a turn of pace with a techy driving backdrop counterbalanced with flutes and again nothing sounds out of place.

The theme of the album then takes the dream firstly into space, followed by sadness in much the same manner of bouncy ambience with a turn of pace before reaching the nightmare of “The Midnight Hour” which starts in an ambient techno manner with lots of little overlapping loops and a wonderful guitar once again reminiscent of the Cure. Then unexpectedly comes a vocal intro sample from probably the most famous “Spooky” pop track of all time. I wasn't 100% sure it worked but it did allow for that turn of pace and too be honest I think the track could well be extended from there.

All in all I feel this album will probably take a few listens to really appreciate fully, as there's plenty going on within the tracks and the production is high quality.

Review by Woodzee

Links

http://kickbong.bandcamp.com/album/a-waking-dream

http://www.cosmic.leaf.com/en/

Kick Bong - The Secret Garden Review

Artist: Kick Bong

Album: The Secret Garden

Label: Cosmic Leaf Records

Release: 28^th Jan 2013

The Secret Garden is Franck Jousselin’s 6th album and it is a genuine pleasure to review it.  As once again he creates outstanding melodic compositions with pinpoint accurate arrangements that draw you in immersing you completely within the sound.

The production on The Secret Garden is in a class of it's own with the attention to detail clearly evident in the intricate layering and placing of the various instruments and effects. Yet, each tune flows easily and effortlessly to create soundscapes that travel deep inside and envelop you completely. 

The album opens with the sparse echoing heartbeat of 'Just Let Go' which with it's gentle hang drum melody, New Order esque chorus plucked guitar and female vocal sample acts as the guide to enter into The Secret Garden. The New Order like guitar is used subtly and to great effect on several tunes and most notably on 'Live In On Dream' & Guardian Angel' which links them all together as a cohesive whole. On 'Guardian Angel' there is a deep dub like feel to it with a more pronounced bass line that, combined with the eerie synth’s creates a feeling of shifting unease and drama. 

Each sample is used effectively on each tune and adds extra dimension and meaning. There is also the best use of a Mad Men one I have ever heard. In fact I don't think I have ever heard Mad Men being sampled before.  The first half of the album has a brooding intensity to it but this is counter balanced as the album progresses. I am not going to give too much away because the natural transition is sublime and delightful when it hits . .. Pure elevation!

The way this whole album is constructed reminds me of those proficient dj's who know how to take a crowd on a journey without them fully realising how they arrived at the end destination but just really glad they were brought there.

There is so much more that I could say about this album but I really don't want to give all it's secrets away before you even step foot inside. I will say though that The Secret Garden is bursting with strange, beautiful vibrant colour and sound and I strongly advise you to journey right into the centre of it.

Review by CKA John

Links

http://kickbong.bandcamp.com/

Kick Bong Interview

We talk to Franck Jousselin a.k.a. Kick Bong about his career, recent releases, live shows and his studio set up.

1) Firstly thank you for taking the time out from your busy schedule to complete this interview. Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your musical career?

I began to play drums at the age of twelve and by the time I was twenty I was playing with the pop/rock band Romy et les Gateaux secs. We signed with Barclay Recordings for 3 albums, played on French and Belgium TV and Radio shows as well as performing some concerts. In 1995 I started to take an interest in electronic music and I began to play percussions with a DJ. Two years later I started to compose in my home studio and signed my first track with Spirit Zone in 2001. Oh yeah! I was really happy!  Since then I have released four albums and tracks that have featured on twenty compilations with several labels. 

2) You appeared on a number of compilations for various labels for a number of years before your debut album “A Cup Of Tea” in 2005. This album has recently been re-mastered for digital release. What inspired you to re-master the album rather than just convert to digital format? 

This album was released in 2005 by a French label Ultra Vista. After 5 years Nick (Side Liner) ask me to release it on Cosmicleaf Records . So we re-mastered the tracks and designed a new cover for a fresh feel to the album.

3) You’ve also recently released “Kick Bong Re-Mixed”. How did this project come about and how were the re-mixes for the album selected

I listened some old tracks and one day I remixed one track and then a second and finally I starting to remix several tracks for a new remix album. It was a true pleasure to remix, it was like a game! I began by asking Side Liner if I could remix one of his tracks and then Swordxl a Spanish producer from Another Chance records and so on. Now I’m ready for another one héhé!

4) Although you’re often tagged under the psy-chill genre your music also draws on other genres. I can re-call a mix aired on Fluid Radio which contained tracks by Depeche Mode and the Cure for instance. How would you categorise yourself?

It is true, my music evolves like me. My sound is slightly different with a more pop, electro feel. But always I strive to find the atmosphere. Now, I've been in love with music since childhood with so many musical influences some of which naturally appear in my music.

5) You have played both live sets and dj sets across clubs and festivals in Europe. Do you have any particular favourites and what appeals to you about them?

Both appeal to me as I like to mix and also play live. But when I play live I prefer to play with instruments (with a band) it’s more fun.  I particularly enjoyed the Boom festival in 2006 for both the place and the ambience. I also enjoyed playing the Glade festival in England and Arcadia in France. Club wise for me I love le Batofar and le Cabaret Sauvage in Paris, a beautiful place like a circus.

7) Do you have any favourite piece of hardware or soft-synth when creating a track?

Yes! I work with Cubase and I like my Nord lead synth and also the Moog vst. I tend to use Trilogy for the bass and many more. But I don’t forget my instruments the true drum and bass!