Combining forces on a laptop and hardware synth studio, Requator makes the good times flow endlessly.
Uplifting and cosmic tunes
KosMo is instrumental drum and electronic cosmic magic in twelve tracks. It sounds like Requator had a great time performing and mixing these numbers, which is the best outcome possible. Requator is the electronic music duo of childhood friends Mokhov and Kostia. Reuniting in Bali after 22 years with a new project, Requator, they combine forces on a laptop and hardware synth studio. The results are uplifting and cosmic tunes inspired by the magical island.
Opening with “Swaying Palm Trees” (4:30), I hear a playful melody behind a heavy clank drum kit sound, very crisp and real-sounding. I can feel the breezes and the tropical heat, as the story (no words) that the sound tells is of ease and wonderment. Next, “Waterfall Jump” (2:42) with the sound of wet electronics pushed by electronic drums, splashing and tumbling on a warm summer day, for the ears cool refreshment, bubbling and spinning in mid air. Next the feeling is darker, going more slowly through the dense woods, stepping through brush and deep green tangle where huge snakes play, “Jungle Explorer” (3:20) has jungle toms and a high hat that follow Bwana from the trail head into the warm canopy of green, looking about from side to side while moving deeper into the jolly foliage.
Take your clothes off, here by the ocean the breezes feel great all over, “Hidden Beach” (2:45) slows down and gives plenty of room for exposing everyone to the best sunny seaside quiet times. Bringing back the heavy drum kit sound, “Mountain Temple” (4:01) explores a sacred place where the energy is ancient and once upon a time has been lost but now is abundant, climbing step by step into the sacred place where once many gathered to perform the old rites that keep the village safe from the angry gods. The groove sets in and we can ponder the eldritch practices that once ruled the people.
Discovering a strange new sound for this adventure ::
An electronic bird calls us back to the refreshing ocean, “Wave Ride” (3:16) has a sly groove and a hypnotic call. The bass keeps the heartbeat solid while the wind and water expands into eternity. Feel the water under your board as you seek tubular perfection. It is bright here under the sun, time for “Rendang Quest” (2:54), discovering a strange new sound for this adventure, electronic shadows boogie, the drum pumps a quiet metallic forcefield of love. Time fades and the sand continues to shift, always seeking the shade.
It does not feel so late in the day but here comes the “Cosmic Sunset” (3:45) with colors unforgettable and almost feeling religious in mood. Calming and deep, snares and a high hat riding on waves of blues and greens, yellows and purples, steadily turning darker and richer, turning over and again opening to infinite wisdom and expanse. There are no words, just inspiration and confidence in the promise of eternity.
Time to get wet again, “Dolphin Swim” (2:40) submerges playfully, bobbing at the surface and then plunging deeper and deeper into views of the sunny sand of the lagoon floor. Around and around, spinning and capering with our jolly new finned friends, the melody is sparkling and the bass keeps the action lively, pumping and bubbling. Something is ahead, “Sea Temple” (3:50) chasmic mystery and depth, darkness and a story of the ocean covering a place where people once gathered to thank the infinite powers for this blessed life by the abundant sea. One day the waters submerged this place and only the ruins remain to tell the hidden story.
The attractive young visitor is from the “Coconut Cruiser” (3:05), always welcomed by the people here for bringing new life from far away, my heart beats fast watching all the dancing and laughing in the sunshine. The drums are sounding electronic once again, and the beat is sly and foxy. The last time I looked the pretty visitor was nearly naked by the “Sunset Pool” (2:40), which slows way down and brings this idyllic dreamy adventure to a memorable exhausted groan and a sigh. Let’s go again! Requator makes the good times flow endlessly.
KosMo is available on Sun Sea Sky. [Site | Bandcamp]
