Random Circuits

Kenny Larkin - “Keys, Strings, Tambourines” [Planet E] (buy 2×12″) (buy CD)

One of the Detroit techno innovators - Kenny Larkin makes a much anticipated return to the circuit with a brand new album which sees him release ”Keys, Strings, Tambourines” & this time he’s releasing on fellow producer & dear friend - Carl Craig’s [Planet E] imprint with one of the best (hands down) techno albums your likely to hear this year.

Has it really been +4 years since he released the excellent ”Narcissist” on [Peacefrog Records] & a further more 13 years! since the experimental and quite ground breaking ”Azimuth” was released via [Warp Records]. And of course not forgetting the equally as good “Metaphor” which was released on [R&S Recordings] a year after. Kenny’s signature, Detroit - instrumentation sound has all the flair, production skills and minimal funk that any of his other excellent albums have. If your familiar with Kenny’s sound you will be pleased to hear that his expertly crafted, melodic, deep - Detroit - techno is still as raw & exciting as its ever been, It’s always about the instrumentals with Kenny, & Keys, Strings, Tambourines is no different. All his lovely melodies are present, his wonderful keys and of course lots of Larkin’s many influences which include jazz, house & techno.

The whole album has been built using the finest Detroit techno structures all of which are underpinned with Kenny’s home grown melodies and fantastic aural synths which float majestically through the deep techno basslines and exciting Detroit percussion patterns.

Highlights for me are; “Androgenous” - where Kenny starts things off as he means to carry on. A classic Detroit groove sets the tone which is met by some rolling (tambourine) percussion and some delightful electronic keys which give the piece some real class. “Glob” has the melodic structure which Kenny plays with in a ping pong style motion, eventually bringing some electrically charged and rather squewiff synths into the mix. “Keys, Strings, Tambourines” is a great Detroit record which plays with Kenny’s house and jazz elements that he uses so much in his music. Built around a “live” deep piano loop and some acid like synth patterns, some rather percussive strings & huge synths which are all met and seamlessly joined together by a mixture of rolling tribal drums that will literally take the roof of. “Wake me” quite simply has the wow factor with its speaker crushing keys and deep synth pattens all of which are accompanied by Kenny’s intricate and rather well hidden percussion which then makes way for some gigantic raw synth stabs that literally turn the track into a monster.

The album contains three mixes of the previously released “You Are” which includes a new light version, original and the dark mix. “Drone” and “Computer Rain” play with Kenny’s experimental side where as “Vibin”, is built around organic percussion and fantastic melodic structures & strings. We then move back to the dance floor with the deep & quite mysteriously “up and down” bass from “Bassmode”. “Syren” is a classical take on the Detroit synths and textures. “Gimmie” is a calming melodic piece that will ease you in with floaty keys and magic synth patterns which are underpinned by rare vocal use from Kenny. “Cirque De Soul” plays heavily half on his experimental side & half to his Jazz side of production with a deep percussive workout and some luscious, soul filled keys which are met with some deep siren like riffs and a wobbly bassline. “De Ja Vu” is probably the most experimental piece on the album with its razor - sharp edged riffs & cosmic keys.

As a whole this album has everything and more that you would expect from Kenny Larkin. Another classic album from one of the best. Essential listening that you can not afford to miss.

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