At the end of last year, celebrated Latvian duo Blood Groove & Kikis, traditionally known for melodic progressive house arrangements, treated us to the 3-track "Close To You" EP, which showcased a more introspective and world music-influenced sound. Their latest offering, "Dreamland," also explores the deeper, ethno-electronic textures of the organic house niche, to mesmerizing effect.
Blood Groove & Kikis' "Dreamland" EP begins with "Circle," which sets the tone for the mystical and transportive aura of the release, as a whole. In the early going, a chilled, organic house groove is punctuated by a few delicate guitar plucks and a simple, yet evocative glockenspiel melody. Foreboding pads and string themes begin to permeate the soundscape, creating a suspenseful mood, as the inevitable main breakdown approaches. For a minute, the main groove drops out, eliciting a somber and pensive moment from the listener. The melancholia is washed away by the drop to follow, symbolizing the intervals of joy and sorrow we all experience in the 'circle' of life.
"Dreamland," the title cut, centers on an infectiously buoyant groove and a variety of radiant steel drum melodies. A gentle, pad-backed crescendo transports the listener to a distant locale (and epoch) -- a simpler life, unencumbered by the ongoing threat of an epidemic. The listener is treated to a profoundly moving and evocative sequence in the main breakdown, as distant echoes of the steel drums are joined by a stirring array of string themes. The ensuing drop is a wonderful celebration of recent challenges we have successfully overcome.
Closing out the EP, "Red Sky" begins with an energetic, tribal groove, as Blood Groove & Kikis once again employ a variety of acoustic instruments that originate from Middle, Near, and Far Eastern cultures. Gorgeous vocal and instrumental motifs reverberate through the soundscape, as gentle toms further entrance the listener. The reverie remains unbroken, long after the song has reached its beguiling conclusion.
Just found the sound iv'e been searching for so long. I wondered when I would listen to ambient tones and melody that combines this perfect symmetric sound.
True art.
A whole new world for many curious listeners out there. Melodic house genre has been my life since I listened to Contact by Glen Morrison in 2007 - I am now 28, and this A.M.R. album gave me the mindset of another 10+ years. mixmix1234
After Heights (first time I heard Odsen) I knew only great music will come from him. Thank you for your music it has become very special to me💜 May Flores
A shifting collage of ambient layers and bright melodies that resists convention from a member of New Zealand's underground house scene. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 9, 2023
Atmospheric, textural dance music from the collaboration of Applescal & Hessel Stuut, for the club floor or the early morning drive home. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 7, 2017