Release Date: March 18th, 2013
Label: U Know Me
Red, released this week by Kixnare, is a subtle and slow moving album that takes inspiration from every corner of dance music. Elements of 2-step, Juke and UK garage are at the rhythmic forefront of this LP. Samples and beats are slowly laid on over the course of each of the ten songs to great effect. Every track has an incredibly satisfying conclusion that is built upon a short sample played dozens of times and beats that evoke a sense of rhythmic fun and dance. The classic 808 drum machine is used extensively throughout this album to its benefit. The familiar sounds allow the fantastic use of synthesizers to take the front of the sound. While not as complex as some of his peers, Kixnare uses tone and various effects to pull the best sounds out of a simple pattern.
"Gucci Dough" and "Automatik are the two standout tracks on this album. "Gucci Dough" for it's delicate sample work and wavering synths; "Automatic" for it's use of clean melody surrounded by erratic drums, cymbal hits, and fantastic sampling that bult toward a satisfying conclusion. While each track is equipped to use minimal sound for maximum effect, I do think Kixnare could have reached out to different sounds. The whole album relies on the same few drum fills and by the end of the album they get stale. As well a few tracks don’t seem to fit in with the rest of the package. "The Eraser" and "No More" could use a bit more variety or should have been shortened down. Despite these flaws, Red is a good listen that really evokes the more evolved side of dance music while still being able to keep you entertained.
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