II

10年ぶりとなるキアスモスのフルアルバムが遂に完成!オーケストラのような華やかさとフットワークの軽いプロダクションでミニマル・テクノを再認識させた2014年の名作『キアスモス』。2020年から2021年にかけて彼らは新たなエレクトロニック・ミュージックを制作するためにバリ島にあるオーラヴルのスタジオで1ヶ月を費やして制作。ガムランなどの伝統的なバリのパーカッションをサンプリングし、ヤヌスが録音した自然環境のフィールド・レコーディングを取り入れました。彼らの複雑な感情や喚起的なビジュアルを表現するインストゥルメンタル・ミュージックは、オーラヴルがこれまで培ってきたプロデューサーとしての経験が生かされています。

As the duo Kiasmos, neo-classical composer Olafur Arnalds and Bloodgroup member Janus Rasmussen craft slowly building, melodic techno tracks with orchestral elements. With their second album, their sound has evolved beyond anything that can be categorized as minimal techno. While their 2014 debut album took about two weeks to record, II was created over several years, including a month in Bali, where the pair recorded the natural surroundings as well as gamelan percussion. The duos rhythms have progressed from four-on-the-floor beats to more subtle, detailed patterns closer to U.K. garage, and the string arrangements have become grander and more cinematic, but not melodramatic and schlocky. Their songs are tighter and more concise, yet they dont feel rushed, and they still leave plenty of space for all the sounds to breathe and develop at an even pace. Still, theres an extra push to faster tracks like "Burst" and "Spun," or the breakbeat-driven "Laced." "Bound" balances a propulsive, festival-ready bassline with icy synths and lush strings. "Dazed" feels wintry and watery, with only a wet pulse of a beat, then "Squared" is a buzzing, string-heavy piece that reaches a big, hazy climax. Even though Kiasmos music is heavily focused on rhythm, it doesnt always feel like its primary purpose is to make people dance. It can just as easily function as music for quiet reflection, nature exploration, travel, studying, or most other activities. II is their most distinctive, sophisticated, and emotionally rich work yet. ~ Paul Simpson