The UK duo and Faux Poly bosses release their debut album “Channels” on the seminal K7! Records.
Kassian’s debut album, “Channels”, on !K7 Records, marks a significant evolution in the duo’s musical journey. Over five years in the making, Joe Danvers-McCabe and Warren Cummings have crafted a deeply personal record that diverges from their previous club-centric productions, embracing a more introspective and organic sound.
The album’s foundation lies in warm, sample-based textures and live instrumentation, reflecting the duo’s early influences. Tracks like “Mockingbirds” and “Aeolian Harp” showcase this approach, blending gentle melodies with intricate rhythms to create immersive soundscapes. The inclusion of field recordings and improvisational elements adds layers of authenticity and depth, inviting listeners into Kassian’s reflective world.
Collaborations play a pivotal role in enriching the album’s sonic palette. Notably, Joe Armon-Jones of Ezra Collective contributes his expressive keyboard skills, most prominently on “Aeolian Harp,” where his languid keys meld seamlessly with Kassian’s production. Additionally, cellist Timothy Kraemer’s spontaneous improvisations, captured often in first takes, infuse tracks like “Spring” with a raw, emotive quality.
Thematically, “Channels” explores the passage of time and personal loss, with each track acting as a chapter in a cohesive narrative. The use of naturalistic track names and field recordings, such as birdsong in “Spring,” evokes a sense of place and moment, grounding the album in the cycles of everyday life. This approach allows the record to flow organically, with transitions that feel both deliberate and fluid.
In tracks like “Metro,” Kassian nods to their dancefloor roots, employing structured, emotive cues reminiscent of their earlier work. However, the overall tone of the album remains tender and introspective—a testament to the personal experiences that shaped its creation. The closing track, “Limoncello,” serves as a cerebral digestif, fading into a warm summer evening and leaving the listener with a sense of serene closure.
“Channel” stands as a testament to Kassian’s artistic growth, offering a rich, immersive experience that balances electronic production with organic musicianship. It’s an album that invites repeated listens, each time revealing new layers and nuances, solidifying Kassian’s place in the contemporary electronic landscape.
-Peter Stimson
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