Review Summary: A serene depiction.
KIDSØ, the ambient house group, has really hit the mark with "Fir." The presentation is stunning, and the music is incredibly captivating and enjoyable to listen to. "Hide" perfectly captures the essence of the group, featuring a steady beat while keeping the song structure coherent, so nothing feels drawn out. Those simple female vocal chops add a catchy element that the track revisits frequently, ensuring it stays engaging. A synth that resembles an oscillator brings a sense of relaxation, creating a beautifully meditative atmosphere.
There are so many layers that keep things engaging. The hook section has these flowing synths and a sound that reminiscent of two conkers hitting each other, which slowly fades away, creating a nice sense of space. Another pulsating synth layer in the background really adds to that open atmosphere. The piano notes are stunning, featuring a dramatic and melancholic chord progression that brings about a feeling of calm and inner oneness. It’s like the ground is softly sinking beneath you as you get wrapped up in these flowing sounds. The chords also bring a deep sense of inner tranquility. This is the kind of music that makes you appreciate the beauty of the world and all its potential.
Another track, "Plain," offers a similar feel. The chords exude a sense of luxury, perfect for a chill evening in the most lavish spa, basking in the sun's rays. The standout feature is definitely the synth choices, which sound sleek and modern, like that fresh new car scent. The production quality is so polished that it creates an immersive, cinematic experience. It provides the potential of what electronic music can be. The production quality is finally to a point where the those synths sound so pristine they could actually be some sort of wood instrument that's being played, but no, it's a synth, created through wires and tech.
While the tracks are certainly repetitive, that's exactly what the group are going for. It's designed to keep a steady rhythm that helps listeners get lost in the sound. Still, there's always a catchy melody that keeps things interesting. In "Lost and Found," a synth serves as the backbone of the track, while the piano chords keep everything stable. Those chords create a cozy atmosphere that's super easy to get wrapped up in. Plus, the background violin adds a mesmerizing touch.
It seems like there are some tongue drums sprinkled throughout certain parts of the music. They blend in so well, creating a really warm, inviting, and chill feel. These instruments also sound amazing outdoors. The overall auditory experience is remarkably organic, reminiscent of an idyllic day spent trekking through the mountains, inhaling the crisp air, attuning to the gentle rustle of the trees in the wind, and the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shore—pure serenity. "Fir" is an album that merits significantly greater acknowledgment, akin to the entire contemporary ambient house scene.