KOAN Sound are one of those staple names that got a ton of people into electronic music earlier this decade, with many associating the name with the distinctive blue logo of UKF. From the YouTube support to releases on OWSLA, there’s no denying the prolific career of the Bristol-based duo. Specialists in combining drum and bass sounds with groovy undertones, KOAN Sound established themselves among the best producers in the game with their ceaselessly innovative approach.
You might be thinking to yourself, “yeah, I used to love KOAN Sound! It’s been a minute since they’ve shown up on my radar, though.” I personally got that reaction from three different people, and the explanation is quite simple. The duo have been working tirelessly on a new album for over three years now, without a single or remix seeing the light of day since. And, while “good things take time” is as cheesy as a cliché can get, this statement is perfectly validated by a single listen through KOAN Sound’s debut album Polychrome, out now on their Shoshin imprint.
Polychrome is a project that is extremely easy to listen to, being light on the ears while still capturing your attention for a full 55 minutes. The complexities contained in every track are mesmerizing, yet KOAN Sound make these chaotic intricacies sound so peaceful and heartwarming. Don’t believe me? Take a listen to the first track, ‘Cobalt’, and get ready to be blown away. Soothing piano melodies, ethereal soundscapes and a touch of glitch-hop coalesce to create one of the most beautiful tracks of the year. Repeat this eleven times, and you get the essence of Polychrome, with each song offering something new and unique for your listening experience. The album is a true masterpiece, displaying KOAN Sound’s musical prowess once more.
I don’t like to use the word very often, but Polychrome is a perfect album. Don’t miss it below.
