I guess this is what they call a paradox intervention. Or, at least, a total surprise. And yet, this cooperation appears well planned, as the title »Edition 1« suggests. King Midas Sound, the project consisting of Kevin Martin, the poet Roger Robinson and the singer Kiki Hitomi, has gained a – rather unexpected – partner in Fennesz. And no other than Fennesz’ broad guitar sounds introduce the record – no beats, no deep bass, as known from the king with the golden hands. Rather, Robinson’s quickly following vocals almost seem a little lost on top of these free floating waves. Instead of poetry and bass, there’s poetry and drones for a start. And it’s not that absurd, especially in the case of Kevin Martin, considering that he had lots to do with guitars before his days with The Bug or King Midas Sound, in particular with his band God. Still, it would be too easy trying to call this record a return to his beginnings – not only because there are quite a few borrowings from bass and dub, but also because there’s a new ambient character to it all, representing an opening for Martin and his fellows. There’s a new peace, most probably influenced by no other than Fennesz. It’s hard to recognize the King Midas from »Waiting For You«, but his new clothes fit him just fine.
SUMAC & Moor Mother
The Film
Thrill Jockey