Dynasty - By KOAN Sound
ALBUM TITLE: Dynasty
ARTIST: KOAN Sound
GENRE: Funk / Downtempo / Bass
LISTEN HERE: Soundcloud
TRACKLIST:
7th Dimension
Dynasty
Infinite Funk
Lost In Thought
The duo of KOAN Sound (Will Weeks & Jim Bastow) have moved beyond the realm of the simple slap bass when it comes to funk music. Their 2014 Dynasty EP is proof enough of this. Meticulous, detailed electronic production and clever effect edits alongside traditional soul and funk instrumentation create an EP that is both diverse and cohesive.
The opening track, ‘7th Dimension’ is a straightforward Zapp & Roger influenced electro funk jam, bumping along to analog synths and bass guitars laced with a bubbly lead that keeps the whole track in check. ‘Dynasty’ is the outlier of the EP, with an explorational glitch bassline and atmospheric folk instrumentation. The duo steps back into the studio so to speak with the rhodes heavy ‘Infinite Funk.’ The slap bass morphs into organic and rolling textures, while never distracting from the musical finesse exhibited on the rest of the tune. The final track, ‘Lost in Thought’ is a perfect closer. Pensive and relaxing, it seems to draw inspiration from the likes of Brian Eno and Hauschka. Soft and carefully arranged drums pull you through landscapes of ambience.
The KOAN Sound boys are currently preparing a new album to be released at some point around 2017 - all signs seem to point that it will show the same level of attention to detail exhibited on this fine EP.