Title: Focus and Flow
Artist: KiloWatts & Vanek
Genre: Acoustic, Electro-Acoustic
Release Date: 18th September 2009
Label: Dependent
Album Review
The Belgian-American duo started its career in a pretty unusual way, as the two musicians are said to haven’t met before releasing the debut album `RawQ´ in 2007. Instead of working together in a studio, Peter Van Ewijk (vocals, songwriting) and Jamie Watts (programming) used the Internet for their purposes. This working practice was more than sufficient and resulted in their exciting first long-player providing acoustic music with synth effects or, alternatively, electronic sounds accompanied with an acoustic guitar. Finally, the musicians met in the scope of the appearance at a German festival. Fortunately, the chemistry was right and the duo can proudly present its second full-length recording `Focus and Flow´ that is going to be released on 18th September 2009. Label boss Stefan Herwig didn’t spare any efforts to make this release possible. Actually, his label Dependent was put on hold, but as Herwig was that impressed by the songs that he decided to revive it and to take KILOWATTS & VANEK under its wings in cooperation with Motor Music. All this leads to the assumption that we should take a close look at `Focus and Flow´.
The album is opened up by the relaxed `Morningstar´ which causes a cosy feeling due to a reduced acoustic guitar line and creaking synth sounds. The track begins as a slow acoustic piece and transforms to an up-tempo song influenced by glimmering Drum’n’bass-sounds that are rounded off with Peter Van Ewijk´s pleasant voice, a pretty successful start that left me hopeful for what will come. And I shouldn’t be disappointed: Reminding me of DE/VISION, the multi-layered and rhythmic `After you´ is one of the liveliest tracks and comes up with a haunting chant that made my feet tapping. I was also thrilled by the throbbing instrumental piece `Solar Flare´ which invites to let oneself go and just to enjoy the playful sound sphere. `Odyssey´ shines with a dynamic guitar that is totally in line with the electronic sequences. The poetic and intelligent lyrics make this release nearly perfect.
Though the long-player is pretty complex regarding the arrangements, I never had the feeling of being suffocated or overstrained. Quite contrary to that, `Focus and Flow´ provides a relaxed serenity that puts the listener in a reflective mood. Perhaps, that style won’t please party-willing people, but if you look for relaxing and meditative music, you will take much pleasure in this record. In my opinion, there’s nothing to moan about and I can highly recommend `Focus and Flow´ to anyone.
Tracklist
01. Morningstar
02. After You
03. Solar Flare
04. Blue Vapourtrails
05. So Strange
06. Sinnerstate (edit V2)
07. Combray
08. Fall Behind
09. Pale Butterflies and Bloodshot Eyes
10. Odyssey
11. Sudden Flow
Line-up
Jamie Watts
Peter Van Ewijk
Website
http://www.kilowattsandvanek.org/ / http://www.myspace.com/kilowattsandvanek
Cover-Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10
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