Keef Baker has the music production comprehension on how to make his tunes reflect old-school references we love without trying to emulate the 90’s sound as if the album was made back then. His music sounds fresh and up-to-date in such a way that could even remodel some of our recollections.
Art is a medium for pushing forward
Last August Keef Baker self-released K, a 7-track album that should impact some IDM fans since it brings great memories of the good old days but in a new lease of life format. That is because Keef Baker has the music production comprehension on how to make his tunes reflect old-school references we love without trying to emulate the 90’s sound as if the album was made back then. His music sounds fresh and up-to-date in such a way that could even remodel some of our recollections.
The splendid opener “Flecks” leads the album with action, where its warm bassline and seductive beats capture the listener right away. And, although the track varies constantly with its rich melodic and percussion elements, it has this immersive and uplifting energy. On the other hand, “Two Dimensional Time” starts smooth, almost contemplative, which resembles Tycho in a way, only to turn around into a good spirits vibing song. Nonetheless, “Floxglove” brings back the deep bass synth and laid back broken metallic beats which turn on the BoC/Gescom radar on IDM aficionados.
“Dangerman” diverts into a 4×4 path with a nervous nature, quite different than you’d expect given the sequence. But Keef makes it blend in nicely with its abstract reverbing components. “Ladybird”’s 9×8 time signature is one of those gems that can send a message to the brain saying that it’s time to break loose because that extra beat bump is the key for real excitement and pleasure. What a beautiful track! Up next comes “HLS3” with its syncopated beats, tearing up saw bass, spacey synths, ethereal pads and hypnotic arpeggios.
To end the release, the artist saves for last the proof that art is a medium for pushing forward. So “Vortex” begins with hypnotic arpeggios that rapidly match a tempo-changing beat that expresses the track’s title by bringing that curvy, almost drunk, feeling which brings a sense of disarray and uncertainty. Great release!
K is available on Bandcamp.
