TheKunig “Aeolian Cadence”

The enigmatic band, historically seem to enrapture the minds and cultivate a dynamic relationship with it’s admirers. One can note that it emits from a viable source. The inherited spiritual connection experienced from the music alone. TheKunig is said band that offers an nostalgic sound yet futuristic in it’s execution, and approach. The 8 tracks listed on their latest release titled “Aeolian Cadence” epitomizes quality over quantity for the UK based band. Riveting, and cinematic is how I’ll describe this album. Enveloped in moments of euphoria while chronicling dystopia with a wide spectrum of emotions. 

“We Are Villains” is the opening track, and from the onset the soundbite is an indicator foreshadowing what’s to come. TheKunig braces the listener, letting you know that this is more so an opening score rather than your typical intro for an album. Equipped with lush synth pads, coupled with heavy reverberated toms reminiscent of Phil Collins and the many 80s classics that served as great music for soundtracks “We Are Villains” proves to be comparable. The vocalist flows wistfully with vulnerability and grandeur as ambient filtered voices echo in the background. Stimulating, lyrics dribbles in the melody. Objectively, analyzing a past relationship with honesty singing “We were silly, we are villains, I am fragile, but you don’t see it”. The record creates an ambiance that’s in dire search for answers while providing an open ended explanation. 

TheKunig display their range immediately with the latter transitioning into  “Little Hurricane” which is appropriately titled. Primarily, the synth chords and piano fiddled in a arpeggio swirling in the backdrop puts you in the midst of the storm. Induced with a baseline that’s hypnotic with plenty of movement. This song is eloquently written, and composed. Full of quirky moments and powder room jargon, this soundtrack would sequence fittingly blasting through the Bluetooth speakers of a privileged millennial getting ready for a kick back. 

Sequencing into “Shadow Girl” the dexterity of TheKunig is further evident. By now your wondering what can’t they do. This song narrates the story of an impoverished girl hidden in the rut of poverty longing to “pay my stuff”. The vocalist croons wishfully. Driven by an acoustic guitar lick, accompanied by a piano this is a song delving in the lows of lows but reveling in hope. This record beams with ambition adding a pop friendly country feel to the album. 

“Sorry That You Feel That Way” is aspirational and defiant. Unapologetic lyrically, this records cut through along with the vocals which are very present and engaging. Laced with the Moog baseline riding shotgun, dark pitched keys playing the forefront, trap hi hats, and menacing drums, which all prove to be the ingredients for a great song. However, throw in the action violins and you have a suspenseful record that will set your adrenaline on high. With lyrics uttered like “ I’m a lion free from the cage full of lions, all they gonna say is I won’t make it, I’m sorry that you feel that way. I’m a champion, though I aint afraid to take a hit babe, put it in my face you can hate me, I’m sorry that you feel that way”. This is empowering and invigorating, the momentum of the album reaches it’s peak at this very moment. 

The next selection “Talk” is a minimalistic track with an ode to Drake’s “God’s Plan. The plush chords on this record is vibrant with staggering echoes. Relaying the message from the prior record this carefree ensemble encourages you to focus on you. 

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Up till this point “I Am Your Calling” is the most bounce you’ll find on this project. Uptempo grove injected with silky pads, a moving baseline and a compelling story of heartbreak. Right when you thought the record couldn’t get any better queue in the drum break which elevates the record into a different strata. 

“Bittin” follows suit. This track presents more of a Lofi, Alternative blend which is refreshing to hear. The guitar rifts are majestically aligned with the airy vocals. This aesthetically laden record is definitely worth the listen. 

“Why” is so nostalgic in its approach, reminiscent of 90s R&B dance records like “My Boo” by Ghost Town DJs. This is a dance record with substance. Deep pitch moog baseline fills the low end while the fast paced percussion loop creates the rhythm. Posed with the philosophical question “Why” reverts back to the opening record “We Are Villains”. One can surmise that this record is the feeling that’s attained before rationalizing that at the end both partners were villains, bringing the album full circle. 

It’s genre blending approach is alluring and admirable. Creating a timeshare like atmosphere that’s inclusive for all to partake. This miscegenation of genres should be applauded, but even more importantly consumed. A throughly enjoyable listen from beginning to end. This project is for any and everybody on an expedition for throughly stimulating music. 

This is a great collection of music each serving its purpose as a score set for a specific scenes in an epic film. The “Aeolian Cadence” is a cinematic piece that offers the listeners an exhilarating experience full of highs and lows. A rollercoaster of moods as the melody ensues where the wind blows TheKunig coos.