Description
#kiasmos #vinyl #vinylrecords
Kiasmos’s album “II” is a breathtaking fusion of nature and techno, showcasing the collaborative genius of Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen. Known for their debut self-titled album in 2014, which delivered some of the most textural and refreshing dance music of the decade, the duo returns with “II” after a long ten-year wait, reminding us of their niche carved out with neoclassical flourishes and vigorous percussion.
“II” explores themes of intrusion into intimacy and the desire to escape boundaries, all while evoking natural imagery such as sticks and stones, cracking ice, and crunching leaves. The album opens with “Grown,” offering a warm welcome with sharp yet gooey bass, gentle piano chords, and organic rhythms that crackle underfoot. The crystal-clear strings and ambient sounds lift listeners into an immersive experience, rejuvenating and reanimating their signature blend of techno, modern classical, UK garage, and electronica.
Describing “II” as cinematic feels like an understatement; it is a grand trek through a mountainside dancefloor trail. Two-step rhythms skitter across twinkling streams, while orchestral gestures sweep joyfully across mossy plains. The plush exhalation of felted piano and gamelan-inspired percussion form crisp atmospheres, while the chunky garage beat and acid-tinted synths of “Laced” deliver a solid punch in the club. “Bound” stands out with its heartfelt and rhythmic sways, blending house rhythm, brazen bass, and dewy morning twilight strings into magnificent swells.
Kiasmos embodies the true essence of a “soundscape” on “II,” physically terraforming the land with sonic catharsis and rhythmic ferocity. This album is a testament to their ability to create an immersive experience that transcends traditional genre boundaries, establishing “II” as a landmark in the evolution of electronic music.
