{"id":6045,"date":"2023-10-31T10:48:16","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T10:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/?p=6045"},"modified":"2023-11-01T06:24:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T06:24:15","slug":"album-review-a-sense-of-unease-kiffie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/2023\/10\/31\/album-review-a-sense-of-unease-kiffie\/","title":{"rendered":"Album Review: &#8220;A Sense Of Unease&#8221; &#8211; Kiffie"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Kiffie has released his new album. These are my words on it. <\/p>\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>The End<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Kiffie opens this up with a track that fades up with a synth pad that kind of modulates, lots of chorused synthesis in this. In this slice of the pie there\u2019s also a very low arpeggio that you don\u2019t notice on the first time round &#8211; but it\u2019s there\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>This is the clearest I\u2019ve heard Kiffie\u2019s vocals in a while, and I like it. Not sure what he\u2019s done differently, but there\u2019s something different on this project in particular. I love the choice of snare drum too. Very LinnDrum but polished.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=539434105\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>Hard To Breathe<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This is a piano based track, but there\u2019s some synthesis behind this, as well as the addition of bells to give it more of a \u201cDING\u201d to the overall sound. We are still in down tempo territory here, I\u2019ve just noticed something there\u2019s no bassline on either one of these tracks\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Interesting.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=4073297441\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>Take A Break<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Here we go\u2026 Tempo kicked up a notch, and you know it\u2019s coming from the arpeggiated synth that\u2019s right in your face from 0:13. It\u2019s a synth lead that\u2019s been put through the wringer and then coming out the other side\u2026 Plus the punchy bass line this makes for a big dance track. I like the almost reggae chord riff as well on top of everything else.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The idea of passing the vocals through the filter is brilliant too, it sounds like the telephone filter on certain lines, which keeps the track moving.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=450601057\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>Goodbye At Last<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This is a predominantly piano instrumental &#8211; plenty of reverb to give it that really epic sound. But then there\u2019s a cymbal joining in to keep time &#8211; it alternates between crash and swell, just so it builds up the tension. Nice use of reverse at the end!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=2792529508\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li>All Yours<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Kiffie digs out the 808 library for this one, the snare is high in pitch so you know it\u2019s that characteristic sound. The cymbal swell is obvious this time.<\/p>\n<p>Oh yeah. This is a hip hop track.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Surprised?<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>Kiffie\u2019s been known to collaborate with other artists, and this is the turn of Voyage, from Oregon USA. He spits bars fast which is quite a feat over a relatively slow tempo. But he stands up to the challenge. His part of the track goes low to the mix but is still overheard under Kiffie\u2019s vocals &#8211; not a problem &#8211; hey, singing in rounds have been done since the dawn of time so why can\u2019t the same rule apply here?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=1814600536\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li>Sense Of Unease<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>To the title track we go for this one. Kiffie plays a two note riff over a drum beat that\u2019s played at half time. It does switch though with the 808 snare making an appearance again. The main snare is heavy handed but it\u2019s a good one &#8211; typical 80s sound like a linndrum sound. I know Kiffie doesn\u2019t have one as I have seen the equipment list for his set up so I reckon this has been pitched down slightly. Moody track. I like the breakdown point given over to drums and piano from the 3:36 mark. It\u2019s an octaved solo too!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Probably the strongest track on the album.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=1433555964\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li>Learning To Sing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Kiffie goes into reflective mode on this one, a slow piano ballad with the understated drums and arpeggiated subs slightly higher keeping the rhythm.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The lead synth has the feel of an accordion which is probably not intentional, but it sounds good. I like that thin quality to it.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=24992204\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li>One Look<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This fades up with some cool synth strings! The cymbal swell is back, plus a synth organ coming in and out. The drums are low in the mix here, but Kiffie\u2019s voice is standing out more here. Again, this is where you can tell Kiffie\u2019s influences from the 80s are showing. A bit of Depeche Mode, a bit of Ultavox and more than a little bit of Vince Clark.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=801189294\/size=large\/bgcol=ffffff\/linkcol=0687f5\/tracklist=false\/artwork=small\/track=2416972709\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/kiffie.bandcamp.com\/album\/a-sense-of-unease\">A Sense of Unease by Kiffie<\/a><\/iframe>\n\n\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li>The Light Inside<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Kiffie breaks out his guitar for this one, the final track on the album. It starts off the track playing a hypnotic line that stays present throughout the song. The thing about synths and guitars is that you haft to get the blend right, otherwise it just sounds like another synth or sample, and it seems that Kiffie has got it right here by starting the track out with it. This shows his other side, where he could have been an indie kid in a former life.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>His lyrics though are very dramatic&#8230;.<\/p>\n<p>Have a read of this.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Your sweet kiss is really so delectable,<br \/>To taste your lips can satisfy me,<br \/>I think it&#8217;s time for someone to discover you,<br \/>Whoever that is I hope they see what I see.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>That&#8217;s the album.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The techy bit: I love this bit.<\/p>\n<p>Roland Tr8s Rhythm Performer, Korg Minilogue XD, Yamaha P121 Digital Piano, Gibson SG and VOX VT40X Amplifier, Shure SM58 Microphone. Recorded and mixed using a PreSonus Audio interface and Audiotonic\/Audacity. Mastered using iZotope Ozone 9.<\/p>\n<p>It allows me to nerd out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kiffie is a composer of electronic music and songs Inspired by recent events, lies and love, the music crosses genres <span class=\"peekaboo-text\">including<\/span><span class=\"bcTruncateMore\"><span class=\"peekaboo-text\"> electronica, hip-hop, folk and classical. Everything is produced at home, using hardware instruments, synthesisers and drum machines.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>His music is emotionally driven and has a distinct, deeply human sound.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-2048x2048.png 2048w, https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-435x435.png 435w, https:\/\/platinummind.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-Sense-of-Unease-Artwork-60x60.png 60w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kiffie has released his new album. These are my words on it. The End Kiffie opens this up with a track that fades up with a synth pad that kind of modulates, lots of chorused synthesis in this. In this slice of the pie there\u2019s also a very low arpeggio that you don\u2019t notice on &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6048,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[191,118,229,129,174,218,31,132,30,37,180,149,142,140,73,150,183,162,126],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alternative","category-bass","category-composer","category-drums","category-electronica","category-folk","category-keyboards","category-lyricist","category-music","category-piano","category-pop","category-pop-music","category-producer","category-review","category-singer-songwriter","category-songwriter","category-synthesizers","category-uk","category-vocals"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6045"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6060,"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6045\/revisions\/6060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platinummind.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}