Logue

KMRUs 2021 release Logue consists of tracks originally written between 2017 and 2019, and self-released online. The Kenyan sound artists work often combines field recordings with stirring ambient textures, and this collection captures a period when his music felt especially cinematic. Trickling synth melodies and swelling strings mix with hollers, crickets, and other earthy sounds, all painting unique sound portraits that blur the lines between nostalgic reflections and dreams of the future. The rumbling post-dubstep beats and buzzy bass of Jinja Encounters point to the artists EDM roots, but the fluttering harps, thumb pianos, and almost Spaghetti Western guitars lead things down an undiscovered path. 11 has delicate, skittering drums reminiscent of Orbitals The Box, which sound like raindrops falling from the clouds of floating synths and landing in buckets. Logue is a warm, friendly piece that creates a serene, relaxing vibe with a sequence of descending arpeggios and some shifting tones and effects. Points consists of clear, bubble-like notes expanding ever outward. KMRU makes some of the most natural-sounding ambient music around, and Logue spotlights some of his most accessible compositions. ~ Paul Simpson