Regular listeners know that I am a fan of this man. Sadly, on the heels of the release of his album The Dread Of An Unknown Evil (which comes out tomorrow, Dec. 7th), I think Europe (Berlin specifically) might claim him. If so, I’ll be sad to see him go but so happy for his continued success and spreading wings.
I don’t know the inner workings on his creative process but (as beautiful as his last project was, and I mean that) judging from the album and his live show that I was lucky enough to catch last week, he really seems to be expanding his vision in inspiring ways (musically, collaboratively and emotionally). I’m looking forward to welcoming him back to the show Monday (you can listen his previous visit here).
About KRTS:
In 2011 we saw KRTS breaking free from the boundaries of NYC’s five boroughs, releasing his first EP, Hold On, with the Berlin-based label Project: Mooncircle. The five tracks of Hold On represent the organic, heavily emotional and lively style of broken-beat, fusion jazz, boom-bap, and dubstep.
With the end of 2012 comes The Dread Of An Unknown Evil, KRTS’s first LP (limited, colored, double vinyl / uv-varnish print cover) for Project: Mooncircle. With bass-culture styles reflecting the darker side of everyday reality, the album explores themes such as fear, apprehension, doubt, angst, and sorrow, with the prevailing dread of an unknown and uncertain future—always there, peering around corners, waiting and watching.
“Your Eyes“ features Stevee Wellons — a soulful diva and KRTS’s own mother — telling the story of lost loves and abandoned hopes.
“Knuckle Under“ is an immediate cinematic ride through the chaotic New York City underground, each bass line like an elbow to the shoulder, spinning you and pushing you down until it all turns black.“Something New“ featuring sibling Jon Hairston on vocals, is a plea to love and the risks involved when we hold hearts back.
The ten tracks of The Dread Of An Unknown Evil form an intimate LP from a musician battling to make it between cities, families, loves, losses, and futures — on to the next chapter.
Also, for you vinyl collectors, don’t sleep on the vinyl package (I already put my money down), available here, here and here and many other places.
