By: Daniela Patrizi
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Released on October 27, 2014 via Erased Tapes
Great collaborations illuminate and this is the case of the classical composer Ólafur Arnalds and Bloodgroup keyboard player and vocalist Janus Rasmussen and their electronic project Kiasmos that represents the culmination of a seven years part-time collaboration between them. Their first self-titled release is out on the London-based label Erased Tapes who continue to strike with some of the most exciting collaborative projects around (Sisteray and A Winged Victory for the Sullen, just to mention another two of them).
The self titled album of the Nordic duo – Rasmussen comes from Faroe Islands while Arnalds comes from Iceland – is composed by eight songs with single-worded titles, including previous the singles ‘Looped’ and ‘Thrown’, plus the newly reveiled ‘Burnt’. Lots of electronic music creates its own hermetic world, but on Kiasmos, Ólafur and Janus find ingenious ways to let the world in. They created the album’s warm, alive feel by rejecting digital perfection in favour of the analog synthesis of original sounds, both electronic and physical.
There are warm, ambient moments similar to those in Ólafur Arnalds’ wonderful solo works, together with danceable, rhythmic moments and for all its contrasts, the stunning sound design and the gorgeous melodies Kiasmos is a distinctly coherent body of work: this multitude of sounds makes the album a perfect home listen but also a danceable record.
Kiasmos opens, appropriately enough, with the warm ‘Lit’ that brings the listeners into the album’s mood. The opening track has an air of ravey ’90s trance about it, the crescendo is notable, the sound is perfect, the tempos are kept consistent. It’s the right intro to a great album. ‘Held’ has the same mood of the previous track and its chiming synths and the effervescent fizz of percussion winding through are notable. I’m in love with the moody soundscapes and the ambient breezes of ‘Looped’ and its warm vibe gives the album a holistic pace and flow. ‘Thrown’ is a rich production of deep, hypnotic and melodic techno. This song is perfect for both a late night dance floor or headphone listen. It’s the track that introduced me into the music world of Kiasmos and for this reason it occupies a particular place in my heart.
One of the most interesting tracks of the album is ‘Bent’ and it is particularly massive. ‘Bent’ is cold and warm, it lures you and it repels you. It makes you dance and it paralyses you. Close your eyes and let this music to get into your skin. You’ll be able to see it and to touch it. ‘Bent’ is simply the additional proof of the talent of Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen.
With this album the two artist have been able to meld together current club trends with a vulnerable humanity to create about 50 minutes-long arc of total immersion. Kiasmos is a remarkably visceral, sensual, confident electronic record that absorbs the listeners from beginning to end. And I’m in loop with it.
Kiasmos is available at Erased Tapes Records in Black 2x 12″ Vinyl, CD, electronic format and in a Ltd. Edition Clear 2x 12″ Vinyl
