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(Peacefrog/Creative Vibes)
Kenny Larkin is back on the techno scale with his latest album release on Peacefrog, aptly named “the Narcissist”. This is techno in its sexiest form, non-abrasive and deep in rhythm and texture.
I wasn’t too sure of what to expect of Kenny’s return, for the last few years Kenny has taken time away from the music in order to pursue his career in stand up comedy. Whilst the music production was on hold, Kenny worked at some of the biggest comedy clubs in LA and DJed around the globe to maintain the contact between his many music fans.
As the title suggests this album seems to hold quite a high level of self-importance, a very introspective output and a chance for us, as listener’s to delve deeper into the Kenny Larkin psyche.
The first tune Fake French (epic mix) features Kenny speaking in, well… fake French (for lack of a better term). I am somewhat put off by the vocals, even when they appear again in the merci Detroit mix, they seem to detract from the intricate melody and dark basslines. The music alone sans vocals creates a brooding vibe that dances around in your head and plays around in your consciousness.
My reflection definitely reflects the sounds of Detroit techno, with delicate strings and quick sporadic drum rhythms. Syncopated elegance. Mono e Mono emits a certain sensuality, a driving rhythm with extremely amazing synthlines softly screaming their way through bottom heavy drum beats.
The merci Detroit mix of Fake French has a strong dancefloor beat, but as mentioned previously, I just don’t dig the fake French vocals… I actually found myself snickering at them, perhaps it was meant to be comedic? “Merci Beucoup Détroit.” Jazz to the future is another track on the album that lends itself directly to the dancefloor, with a more upbeat feel, light and soothing melodies dance over the top of the bottom heavy bass, luscious.
My favourite out of the whole 11 tracks on the album is the very last – In the Meantime, the minimal-esque ‘pitter-patter’ of bass distributes itself sporadically amongst some truly profound strings and resonating tones. This is forward thinking music at its finest, fulsome and delectable.
Some would say this album is quite self indulgent, for others, it will simply just blow them away; the more you listen the more you hear and appreciate. I suggest you plug in the headphones, so that you can genuinely value this rich artistic introspective album, which is so full of nuance.
