March 24th, 2014 
Brian Leak 
Artist: Kbit
Album: Un Boombox Symphonique
Genre: Ambient, Down-tempo, House
I think it’s safe to say that pretty much anything space-themed will appeal to a wide array of people. For me, when said themes get incorporated into music, I’m all ears. Whether it’s ambient instrumentals (see Lights Out Asia) or even progressive death metal (see Between The Buried and Me, The Contortionist), it tends to add a very interesting element to the music and the sense of wonder that often accompanies all aspects of space-related matters becomes something that you can experience in song. It may not answer any of the age-old questions about the Universe, but it’s certainly something to get lost in depending on your mindset at the time.
Kosta Andreadis, aka Kbit, has released a 10-track effort that spans many styles and genres throughout its nearly 50-minute runtime, but one thing that remains constant is the album’s spacial elements and influence, which is immediately suggested by its impressive cover artwork by Chad Drake. Typically, when you think about space, you picture stars, galaxies, constellations, planets, satellites, and the vast unknown, but if you think in terms of mood and tone, it’s peaceful, calm, relaxing, and still for the most part. This is where an interesting dichotomy in Kbit’s newest album presents itself. Those tranquil elements are undoubtedly present but they’re often joined, simultaneously, by dance-inducing funk, break-beat, and discotheque styles. While feeling soothed by the ethereal sensations of synths and pulsating rhythms that set the tone of most tracks, you can’t help but surrender yourself to the big beats beckoning you to move.
With the exception of the album’s closer, “Vintage Galaxy,” a beautifully lulling exploration, you’re going to experience these two worlds colliding on each track as you’re forced to choose between sitting back and absorbing the airy ambience or getting up from your seat and letting loose as the hypnotic, buzzsaw synth tones and catchy rhythms demand that you dance along. If you choose the latter, have no worries, there are calming breaks often enough that will allow you time to catch a breath or two.
At times, the album can feel a little cluttered and unfocused as one track can seem to contain too many ideas crammed into one section of the album but the grooves are undeniable regardless and Un Boombox Symphonique can easily serve as a backing soundtrack to nearly any activity from building model rockets, to moonwalking in your kitchen, or even actually exploring the depths of space.
SCORE: 7.6/10
Review written by: Brian Lion — (Follow him on Twitter)
- UTG PREMIERE: Hymn – ‘Mouth’ EP - June 10, 2016
- SakkieFTW snaps you out of it with new EP, ‘Experiment 1.3.2’ - June 6, 2016
- The Lost Poets’ ‘Insubordia pt II’ is dark and gritty - June 3, 2016
Posted in 
Tags: 