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Album of the week: Keys 'N' Krates 'Midnite Mass'

Toronto trio drops a hustle and bustle of multi-genres in their new EP.

Artist: Keys N' Krates
Album: Midnite Mass
Label: Dim Mak
Release date: 15/01/16

Adam Tune, David Matisse and Greg Dawson, the tight-knit-trio under the name Keys N' Krates, have just dropped their new EP Midnite Mass which undoubtedly stands as their finest work so far, following their last releases Solow and Nite. Keys N' Krates show all their cards in this composition of bass-centric grooves, presenting an eclectic mix of musical gems which come from intimate synths, EDM breakdowns, drum & bass beats, trap bass lines, distorted vocals and piano loops in a hustle and bustle of multi-genre influences.

The EP, launched beneath the talented wings of Steve Aoki's label Dim Mak – an imprint which has already kicked off the year with a slew of productions under its belt – counts with the enveloping vocals of Katy B and Aqui along with the production expertise of Ouici. A selection of collaborators which has allowed the trio to make a big distinction between the first three tracks and the latest.

The record starts with Midnite Mass, an intense introductory piece full of ethereal instrumentals that sets the tone for the following tracks, a perfect set opener which builds anticipation before the U Already Know bassline gets into your head. This single blows a cheerful jungle rhythm accompanied by pitched vocals exposing the KNK Drum n' Bass leanings, clearly composed to be a dancefloor hit. Next up, I Know U, which closes out the massive big room vibes of the EP, blurring the line between EDM and hip-hop.

After the end of the previous track, there is an obvious groove change that bring to our ears such compositions as Love Again, the most hip-hop influenced of the whole work, followed by Save Me with Katy B's urban vocals stamping across the rolling bassline. As the final fillip, Nothing But Space provides a dramatic closing as my favourite track of the Keys N' Krates' EP.

There is no doubt Midnite Mass will be sounding through speakers everywhere during the year, accompanied by a tour which promises to be a visual and raving cultural extension of the EP.

WORDS | Natalia Gutiérrez


Tracklist

1. Minite Mass
2. U Already Know
3. I Know U
4. Love Again (ft Ouici)
5. Save Me (ft Katy B)
6. Nothing But Space (ft Aqui)


midnitemass.com

soundcloud.com/keysnkrates

facebook.com/keysnkrates


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