Distinct blend of rhythm worth listening to

Keys N Krates, a Toronto-based music trio spanning multiple genres, just released their latest album, Original Classic. This album will have people dancing around and marveling at how ingenious the rhythm is. Keys N Krates is made of turntablist Jr. Flo, keyboardist David Matisse and drummer Adam Tune. The group was formed in 2008 and has reached the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Songs at number 17. 

The first song, “Crescendo,” introduces the album with a gentle sophistication. Glissando-ing harp sounds throughout are complemented by a continuous, danceable rhythm, and the piece makes for a great build of mood into the rest of the album. 

The title track, “Original Classic,” is a classic for sure. It starts with some sampling and a beat, and its catchy hook, just a phrase but fun to hear, is iconic. The song is rap but hints at pop and soul, a testament to Keys N Krates’s tendency to genre-mix. Overall, the song is a catchy and fun beat to hear, whether for the purpose of dancing or just jamming casually.

“Original Classic” is followed by “Brazilian Love Song.” Jr. Flo said in an interview with This Song is Sick that a Brazilian style in their music was a top choice for its sense of syncopation and “jankiness.” The song definitely has a lot of syncopation and grooviness. The piano motif, which underpins the song, is syncopated but very danceable and easy to follow with the ear. There is sampling used in this song, which gives it a pop flavor as well. Everything stops but the rhythm instruments, and there is a section with just the beat and the sampling, which builds back up with the entrance of the piano, and gives the song tension and release feel. 

“Siento Mi Destino,” a reggaeton-leaning piece, has a darker, more reflective vibe than most of the album. It is still very danceable, but it’s also a great song for going deeper into the music. The mood is pretty consistent throughout, and there is not a lot of harmonic contrast, which lends the song its catchiness, along with the constant loops in the background and the melody of the vocals, reflective and nonchalant. Overall, this piece has great vibes. 

“Dreams Of Oceans,” in the latter half of the album, is a kaleidoscope of sound, a very distinct perspective on the concept of musically depicting looking into presumably shimmering water while dreaming. It calls to mind images of a certain moment of subdued excitement when one is momentarily caught in reflection about something, maybe losing their glance in a small puddle shimmering in rainbow colors. This piece is also very consistent and would make a great fit for any study or relaxation playlist. 

Anyone looking for their next album to play on repeat should definitely take a listen to Keys N Krates’s newest release, Original Classic. The intricate rhythms and their blend of different styles are definitely worth at the very least a try.