Beginning quite literally with a fanfare, this second report from Finnish trio K-X-P is an enjoyable jaunt through the lighter side of krautrock, as opposed to say percussionist Tomi Leppänen’s main squeeze Circle, whose exaggerated oddness and hectic release schedule render them perhaps more suited to the tastes of the nerdy record collector type (no bad thing, mind). Having seen first-hand evidence of K-X-P’s capacity to harness the interests of a demographically diverse group of people in a live setting, it becomes apparent that the group’s strength lies in their ability to reconcile dancefloor rhythms and pop flourishes with the characteristic repetition and insistence of the motorik beat of krautrock. The songs this time around are shorter than on the band’s 2010 debut, showing an increasing tendency towards the poppier end of things. There’s more vocals too, often wordless, but always in the anthemic call and response mode of music meant to be experienced on a dancefloor, or at least in a room with other people who are moving in a rhythmic fashion. Cloak-wearing frontman Timo Kaukolampi’s production calls to mind the fuzzed out bubblegum sound of 70s glam, not a sound that’s particularly in vogue right now, but it works strangely well with the material. Kaukolampi is known for his extensive collaborative work with Norway’s electropop darling Annie, and his ear for a good pop tune is well utilised here. Out of the set, Melody and Magnetic North are the most immediate upbeat songs, but it’s the slightly darker, melancholic tracks like Staring at the Moon and In the Valley that really plumb the emotional depths.
Perhaps a slight distillation of a band who thrive on live shows, but nevertheless a record that is lively, lushly produced and most importantly; fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLxuG7pME_k
Words: Ivan Deasy
