KXP continue to pursue dark, intense, enticingly twisty shapes; capitalising here on their considerable electronic know-how.
The pop-tinted electronica of 2013’s II (following their rockier, ‘dark disco’ debut in 2010) gives way to a heady concentration of space rock strains, ambient layers and propulsive techno beats. It streamlines everything they’ve touched on over the last few years into a filmic, kaleidoscopic experience. Evidence, if it were needed, of what progressive, profoundly atmospheric worlds can be generated under the techno umbrella. Psychic Hibernation grows from an ambient drone into a percussive, almost symphonic take on spacey Krautrock – all low resonating samples, tribal pulse and ethereal echoes. Space Precious Time builds on this with a powerful, uptempo interpretation of techno, bound in gothic post-punk sensibilities. This is all united by a prevailing mystical quality with a hypnotically beating heart, notably effective in the apocalyptic swell of Obsolete And Beyond, complete with compellingly eerie vocal cries. Imagine shamans, neon-lit nightscapes, Kraftwerk hitting an underground Helsinki rave – it makes for a woozily bewitching trip.
