Review Summary: Before
An eleven year old octagon returns to his favorite local record store. What will he score today? Probably another Boards of Canada CD... As soon as he opens the door and steps inside, however, his ears are treated to something new over the store speakers—a blissful blend of soothing and grooving electronic music that immediately fills him with wonder.
It sounds like Thievery Corporation, but hits deeper, touching a part of his polygonal soul that he didn't know existed. Right in the feels...
“Who...is this?” he asks the guy behind the cash register.
“dZihan and Kamien, man. Here.”
He slides the jewel case across the counter...
dZihan & Kamien are a little-known Austrian duo with a penchant for smooth tunes. Their debut, Freaks and Icons, is laced with house grooves, trip-hop beats, and everything in between, beautifully sequenced to create one of the most perfect albums in lounge and downtempo.
Of course, much influence is taken from world music, with the duo drawing heavily from a palette of Middle Eastern and Greek instrumentation in particular. While some albums in this arena can feel ham-fisted in their approach to incorporating world influences, Freaks and Icons always feels fresh and well-balanced. The beats themselves are deep, swinging, and funky, and despite their particular campiness, never overstay their welcome.
Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. It's a satisfying spin with plenty to love. Or don't, and the ratings page for it will continue to be “Just [Pots] & I.”
