As the duo
Kiasmos, neo-classical composer
Ólafur Arnalds and
Bloodgroup member
Janus Rasmussen craft slowly building, melodic techno tracks with orchestral elements. With their second album, their sound has evolved beyond anything that can be categorized as minimal techno. While their 2014 debut album took about two weeks to record,
II was created over several years, including a month in Bali, where the pair recorded the natural surroundings as well as gamelan percussion. The duo's rhythms have progressed from four-on-the-floor beats to more subtle, detailed patterns closer to U.K. garage, and the string arrangements have become grander and more cinematic, but not melodramatic and schlocky. Their songs are tighter and more concise, yet they don't feel rushed, and they still leave plenty of space for all the sounds to breathe and develop at an even pace. Still, there's an extra push to faster tracks like "Burst" and "Spun," or the breakbeat-driven "Laced." "Bound" balances a propulsive, festival-ready bassline with icy synths and lush strings. "Dazed" feels wintry and watery, with only a wet pulse of a beat, then "Squared" is a buzzing, string-heavy piece that reaches a big, hazy climax. Even though
Kiasmos' music is heavily focused on rhythm, it doesn't always feel like its primary purpose is to make people dance. It can just as easily function as music for quiet reflection, nature exploration, travel, studying, or most other activities.
II is their most distinctive, sophisticated, and emotionally rich work yet. ~ Paul Simpson
