A little of the above and a lot in between, Gold Standard is a compilation composed of multiple genres derived from the Kikapu Net Label based in Springfield, MO (USA). On their 50th release to date, Kikapu decided to kick back and spread their tunes in an alternate format, a circular compact disc (rather than MP3). Filtering through an expressive electronic branch, Gold Standard blends its experiments with sub-genre’s like ambient, abstract, minimal, and dub-techno to create a cosmically drenched batch of unusual digital to analog debris.
As part of a continuing tradition in electronic music, compilations tend to display a cross-sectional view of a particular labels “sound.” For the avid collector of abstract electronics, Gold Standard mixes 17-tracks of multi-structured musical art-forms and highlights the peculiar elements of sound that are typically under-appreciated in modern day audio consumption. Tracks like Algorhythm’s “That One Track” weaves through thick acid twists and a downtempo breakbeat set for a smooth chill-out session at the coffee shops. Matt Borghi’s “Your Home And Mine” contains a minimal click beat wrapped around a smooth ambient string that wonders peacefully in the dark. The opener by Mental TSP entitled “Living Room” features traditional drum programming with a subtle funk-vibe that grooves and pulsates into oblivion. Elsewhere on Gold Standard, Mar.ch presents “Gold,” an uplifting yet melancholic ambient piece while Stud’s “Erobic” bounces by with its pop-electronic textures reminiscent to that of artists like Plone and ISAN. Reconstructing Richard’s “Balance Boy (Jizzello Remix)” cascades through Nintendo Hip-Hop territory with its tweaked melody chirp and percussive backdrop. From one extreme to another, this disc manages to engulf the senses in one fluid audio spectrum.
Gold Standard stores all of its infinite and memorable moments on this, their 50th all representative CD release. Featuring some of the main players who have been part of the Kikapu collective, Gold Standard sits comfortably next to releases on Morr, Merck and City Centre Offices.
Artists featured: Mental TSP, Glomag, Notech, Books on Tape, Algorhythm, Dubjay, Eric Laurence, Mar.ch, Cellular, Crashed By Car, Matt Borghi, Reconstructing Richard, Satellite Grooves, Stud, KOSIK, The System Boot and Michael Kirson-Goldapper.
Gold Standard is OUT NOW on Kikapu.
