Somehow, we are all very used to categorising music. A song has to fit into a genre, into a scene, into a trend… into a box. While that approach has its strengths, it also makes us lose the nuances of artistic expression, perhaps restricting our imagination too. What if you could explore the musical landscape in absolute freedom, blending styles, cultures and influences following your instincts? Well, KAYAM does exactly that, providing material that’s not only sonically advanced but also lyrically transformative, allowing the listener to completely space out and lose themselves within the magnitude of their artistry.
A sibling duo based in Berlin, KAYAM are one of our most precious discoveries this year. Their style is hardly describable, but if we had to try, we’d go for ‘ethnic electronica, drenched in folk lyricism and cinematic flair’. Their latest effort – the 11-track album ‘Omens’ – is the perfect example of that.
‘Atlas’ introduces the record in solemn fashion, disclosing a mesmerising sea of vocal harmonies, oriental-like harps and flutes and western electronica. Guitars pop in eventually, developing a sort of Nicolas Jaar-flavoured world music – but with a ‘pop’ (in the broader sense) topline.
From here on it’s a musical triumph. Going from delicate instrumental pieces such as ‘Mike’s Trip To The Desert’ and ‘Let’s Go For a Walk’ to more colourful and eclectic song-form compositions (‘Personal Song’, ‘Bloom’), the record has something for everyone. You just need to give it a chance.
Recommended! Discover ‘Omens’ on Spotify:
