K-X-P: K-X-P (Smalltown Supersound)

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Posted on Jul 7th 2010 11:49 pm

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K-X-P: K-X-P

K-X-P
K-X-P
STS182
Smalltown Supersound 2010
08 Tracks. 43mins45secs

Amazon UK: CD | DLD US: CD | DLD

K-X-P: behind this enigmatic banner operate two former members of Op:l Bastards, Timo Kaukolampi (electronics and vocals), and Tuomo Puranen (bass and keyboards). So, that’s the K and the P explained. Standing in between is an X, or rather a third space which is occupied alternatively by Anssi Nykänen and Tomi Leppanen, both drummers by trade. X should therefore in this case be understood as ‘non-defined’. The musical ground covered by all four musicians is pretty vast and varied. Kaukolampi is perhaps best known for writing for, and producing, Norwegian electro-popster Annie, and while Puranen was also involved in her two albums, he has, amongst other things, been a regular member of Jimi Tenor’s band and has collaborated with a number of Scandinavian artists over the years, while Nykänen regularly played with jazz bass player Pekka Pohjola, and Leppanen was an active member of avant-pop outfit Aavikko.

The particular configuration of this four-headed trio defines the sound of this album throughout. Powered by chunky drum sections and rumbling bass lines, and splattered with fat analogue electronic sounds and effects, the eight tracks featured here are shamelessly rooted in seventies German cosmic rock, and tainted with occasional brushes of jazz fusion (Mehu Moments), greasy garage rock (18 Hours (Of Love)), or prog disco (Labirynth, Aibal Dub). The band jump from one area of influence to the next with extreme dexterity and ease, building it all up into one compact and dense musical form which accommodates as easily hypnotic instrumentals and quirky vocal tracks.

What K-X-P create here is a totally fascinating soundtrack, relentless in its drive and evolution, yet strangely peaceful and measured in its overall form. Each piece works totally independently of the others, yet there is a strong correlation between them all which binds the record together and gives it a very consistent feel. Independently of the mood of a particular piece, from the tribal groove of Elephant Man or New World, to the much more angular rock slant of 18 Hours (Of Love) or Pockets or the much smoother twisted disco brushes of Mehu Moments or Labirynth, there is a strong identity which percolates through every layer of this record. The trio, in whichever configuration, uses Krautrock as a platform from which they branch out into various directions, sparking all sorts of sonic reactions which continuously redefine what K-X-P stand for.

With this debut, K-X-P have assembled a truly exhilarating collection of power-Krautrock compositions which, although rooted in the sound of seventies German underground experimental rock, appears surprisingly fresh and inspired here. Almost four years in the making, K-X-P is a record that is very likely to make a lasting mark on this second half of the year.

4.6/5

Smalltown Supersound
Amazon UK: CD | DLD US: CD | DLD

Filed in Albums | Tags: ,
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2 Responses to “K-X-P: K-X-P (Smalltown Supersound)”

  1. […] This was nice! […]

  2. THE 2010 REVIEW | themilkfactoryon 29 Dec 2010 at 11:15 pm

    […] Lasted (Kranky) 22. PHILIPPE PETIT & FRIENDS A Scent Of Garmambrosia (Aagoo Records) 23. K-X-P K-X-P (Smalltown Supersound) 24. CLEM LEEK Holly Lane (Hibernate Recordings) 25. TO ROCOCO ROT […]